The tool uses an extensive range of parameters to calculate the most suitable – and sustainable – heating product for a commercial project. For building services engineers working on heat pump only or hybrid system projects, ELCO’s tool can help identify the best combination of products to match requirements in minutes.
the Selector Tool is suitable for planning stages 1 and 2, as it provides detailed ‘lowest yearly CO2’ and ‘lowest yearly cost’ comparisons between a heat pump only system, hybrid system and a boiler-only setup. The user-friendly Tool is also capable of calculating system parameters at any external temperature, as well as the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) as per CIBSE AM17.
These calculations can be repeated across multiple system designs and flow temperatures, allowing building services engineers to make informed decisions on the benefits of different approaches. The Tool also offers the flexibility to select the switch point for heat sources, while providing analysis and an explanation of the selected option.
Commenting on the concept behind the Tool, Andreea Manoiu, National Sales Manager at ELCO, said: “We introduced the Hybrid System Selector Tool to provide engineers with a reliable digital asset, capable of processing multiple parameters and facilitating informed project decisions. Recognising the vast amount of data needing to be processed when designing hybrid and heat pump only systems, the Tool was designed to deliver the calculations in a quick and user-friendly manner.”
She continued: “With the Selector Tool providing quick comparisons between different product offerings, consultants are able to better assess the potential system designs available, and even eliminate possible approaches that might not be as beneficial to a project. In many circumstances, the Tool allows consultants to identify whether a heat pump only or a hybrid system is required in order to meet a project’s specific conditions – or calculate savings based on a specific heat demand. For example, if a project has lower investment budgets in year one, the parameters of the Tool can be set for a heat pump to deliver 50% of the heat demand, but with a longer-term view of increasing this up to 90 or 100% in the future. All of the essential data from these scenarios can be instantly viewed, promoting well-informed decisions that allow projects to start reducing carbon emissions today.”
The Hybrid System Selector Tool successfully factors in weather fluctuations by referencing the hourly temperature variations from the past three years; this allows it to then create accurate temperature distribution for five key regions of the UK.
ELCO has already started using the Selector Tool to monitor and report on findings from sites across the UK. For example, the company was able to determine the effectiveness of a new hybrid system at a Derbyshire Academy; the results revealed the new system (consisting of a cascade of two ELCO heat pumps and two gas condensing boilers), delivered a Seasonal Performance Factor of 292% and carbon savings of 43.3 tonnes of CO2 compared to a boiler only system. This information helped reinforce the benefits of the hybrid approach, while demonstrating operational effectiveness.
To book a demo of ELCO’s Hybrid System Selector Tool, click here.