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CASE STUDY: CHP viability in domestic scenarios
In line with the London Plan, energy supply through CHP is becoming the norm in new London developments. The Mayor has introduced mandatory use of CHP in developments of 500+ dwellings through planning guidelines. Nonetheless, Richard Hodkinson Consultancy is experiencing an increasing number of London based Local Authorities demanding CHP on new residential developments, [...]
Delivery of district heating on phased developments – things to consider
District heat networks (generally with CHP) are increasingly common for medium and large scale developments in order to provide the CO2 reductions necessary for planning policy and Building Regulations compliance. Delivery of these networks on phased developments is complex. For effective delivery, it is important to consider a number of issues at an early stage. [...]
Should commercial units be connected to district heat networks?
Many predominantly residential developments also contain small ground floor commercial units. Where district heating (including CHP) is proposed for the dwellings, planning authorities generally seek for the commercial units to also be connected. We have concluded that this is not necessarily technically appropriate or viable. The aim of district heating with CHP is to facilitate [...]
Part L and community energy averaging
Building Regulations require that all dwellings connected to a district heating network are apportioned the same CO2 reduction. This has significant consequences for phased developments where phases are subject to differing planning or Building Regulations requirements. It is important to consider this issue early in the build program to ensure that sufficient provision for Energy [...]
CHP design considerations
The following issues should be considered at an early stage of design as part of an evaluation of the viability of CHP. Organising a connection to the grid Unless a CHP engine can be connected to the grid, its size may be significantly reduced. This is so that demand for electricity across a development is [...]
Biomass, deliveries and ash management
How much more attention do biomass boilers really need? The comparison to the ‘stoker’ associated with coal fired steam engines may be unfair and extreme but it does go some way to painting a picture of the difference between biomass and gas fired boilers. Biomass (wood chip or pellet) is a solid fuel which requires [...]
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Tagged Biomass, Community energy, Renewable energy, Zero carbon
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Community heating – costs to users
Evidence is emerging about the high running costs for community heating schemes that are required to meet planning requirements. Often these include Combined Heat and Power facilities and biomass boilers in addition to the more conventional gas boilers. Heat meters are used within each dwelling to measure the heat energy provided through the circulating hot [...]
