International Campus Soest

Published: 2006-03-15 12:23

1. What is endothermic technology?

Endothermic technology is a renewable energy based technology commonly referred to a solar assisted heat pumps. It uses solar thermal energy collected via solar collectors which is stored in a thermal reservoir upgraded using a heat pump and delivered as useful energy for space heating and cooling and for hot water.

2. How does the endothermic technology work?

It uses freely available but low-grade energy from the sun and the atmosphere and delivers it as high-grade energy. The upgrading is done by using a heat pump which is the heart of the overall system. The effectiveness of an endothermic system is how high the coefficient of Performance (COP) can be achieved and the effectiveness of the control strategies in transferring thermal energy from one part of the system to another.

3. What are the main components in an endothermic system?

Collector (can be the whole roof, wall cladding or stand-alone-structure)
Energy Stores as thermal energy reservoirs. Normally two energy stores are recommended, one as a low-temperature store for collecting low-grade solar thermal energy and for delivering coolth and the another used as a high temperature store to collect high-grade energy and delivering heat.
Heat pump to upgrade energy so that it is useable for heating, cooling and hot water.
Controls are used to operate the whole system in a most effective manner. Many different strategies can be adopted using forecasts from models and weather predictions and AI techniques. The essence the methods are that energy must not be lost and high overall COP can be achieved.
Energy delivery components can be used for spaced heating and cooling the hot temperature do not normally exceed 55-65°C and so warm air heating system or underground heating are best.

4. What is the cost of an endothermic system?

Currently the technology is refined and optimised via the EC-funded ENDOHOUSING project and the final aim is to demonstrate an installation cost for a new build applications that are the same as conventional heating system plus the cost of the roof. For system with cooling included the endothermic installation cost is expected to be cheaper. Further more the operational cost are expected to be 30- 70% lower due to the reduced consumption in primary energies.

5. What are the possible energy savings / environmental benefits?

Pilot sites in the UK have shown that energy savings of 50% are possible. The Endousing project is assessing the technology at a EU level and 6 sites are being set up and monitored. These cover latitudes from 35° - 62° and are expected to show that energy savings of 30- 70% are realistic. 12% EU’s energy is used in dwellings; hence 6 % of the EU´s energy can be saved. Thus making a major contribution to the Kyoto agreement to reduce energy consumptions to 1990 levels by 2010 (8% energy reduction is needed to fulfil the Kyoto agreement.)

6. Can I use the technology where I live?

In principal technology can be used everywhere. But by minimising the use of the heat pump(more collected endothermic energy) the efficiency will be increase.

7. Can an endothermic system be used in an existing building?

Yes, the technology can be used as a retrofit to existing buildings. If new heating systems are needed the collector can be added as wall cladding or stand-alone-structures to blend in to specific situations. In cases when new roofs are needed the technology becomes even more attractive.

8. How do I size the components in my system?

The sizing depends on the on the energy requirements (for heating, cooling and hot water) and the climatic conditions that govern the energy collection conditions. Specific software incorporating these parameters has been designed to size the components. For an average house a collector area of 50m², energy stores of 3m³ and a heat pump 5 kW output power is needed.

9. Do I need planning permission to use the endothermic technology in my house?

Yes, this is the same like it is necessary for any new building project. The endothermic technology does not present any major issues for planning and in fact can help obtain it due to its environmentally friendly features. It is in the interest of the local authorities to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies in their region to achieve targets that they have been set by central government.