Shenstone heat network feasibility study is based on an ambient open-loop system. An open-loop system typically requires a minimum of two boreholes: one for pumping the natural groundwater directly from the aquifer (abstraction) and another one for returning the groundwater to the aquifer after thermal exchange (re-injection). However the final number of boreholes will depend on the size of the network and heat demand. After the heat is extracted, the cooled water is returned to the aquifer via a separate borehole much further upstream. This avoids thermal interference, keeping the temperature in the aquifer at a more consistent level and supports sustainable energy extraction. This type of system works well with the qualities of the aquifer - a reliable supply of groundwater, relatively stable subsurface temperatures, good flow rates, and the fact that water is an excellent carrier of thermal heat, which means a higher amount of thermal energy can be extracted from the subsurface than by closed-loop systems. The efficiency of open-loop systems are often preferred for the supply of substantial heating or cooling requirements, such as for a heat network. Closed-loop systems use different configurations of buried pipes, typically installed in the shallow ground, which circulate a heat transfer solution in a sealed loop. The loop is filled once and the same solution (a mixture of water and a small amount of antifreeze) is used continuously.

Will I need to adapt my heating system? To connect to the heat network, each participating property will need to replace its gas boiler with a ground source heat pump. The heat pump will be powered by your normal electricity supply and will upgrade the heat to a usable temperature when needed.

Depending on your heat demand, the heat pump will likely be the same size as a domestic fridge freezer. The hot water tank is built into many ground source heat pumps, meaning you don’t need to find more space for the tank. Larger heat pumps, 15kW plus, may require a separate tank.

Ground source heat pumps tend to be very quiet, with a similar noise level to a fridge freezer.

Yes you do need a hot water tank.

Upgrading your windows and insulation is always a good idea, even when using a gas boiler. This reduces your energy bill. Heat pumps can still be used in older buildings with poor insulation or single glazing, but they may be bigger units as a result, to overcome the higher building heat loss.

Solar panels are not needed to run a heat pump but can reduce the running cost, especially if paired with a battery system.

If your radiators are effective and of sufficient size to meet your current heating needs, it’s likely you will not need to make any upgrades. However, if your radiators are not meeting your current heating needs, you may need to install larger radiators.

Yes, absolutely! Underfloor heating works best with low temperature hot water so is perfectly suited for a heat pump.

Smaller domestic systems, up to around 40kW, typically do not need a 3 phase electrical supply.

If you have enough room in your house, you can keep your boiler as a back up. If you apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, however, you will need to remove your boiler.

Ground source heat pumps do not rely on air temperature to heat the water, so are less affected by cold weather. The ambient heat network serving each heat pump tends to stay at very stable temperatures all year round, so the heat pump will provide efficient heating in all weathers.

Disruption will largely focus around your boiler. This will need to be removed and replaced with a heat pump. There may be some requirement to move and adjust pipework in that area. If any radiator upgrades are required, this will cause more disruption as this could affect some or all the rooms in your house, just as any other plumbing project would.

An ambient loop heat network requires significantly less construction work compared to traditional high-temperature district heating networks, mainly because the lower operating temperatures allow for smaller pipes, shallower trenches, and often less insulation. However, the amount of disruption will depend on the size and layout of the network, the terrain and existing infrastructure. Construction required: · Excavation for trenching · Pipe installation · Pumping station to circulate the water through the loop · Heat pump installation in each property · Building connections – connecting network pipes to individual buildings

By moving from natural gas for heating and hot water, to using grid electricity, the typical carbon savings will be 75%. This is based on current government figures on carbon emissions for natural gas and grid electricity, a boiler efficiency of 85% and a heat pump Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.5. As the national grid continues to decarbonise, or if you are generating your own power with solar panels, the carbon saving will be greater than 75%.

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