Efficiency of Thermodynamic Panels Tested

[ALEO Admin]

Narec Distributed Energy, have carried out testing of "solar thermodynamic panels", using a cycle that mimicked the hot water usage of a typical family home between the months of January and July last year.

The maximum monthly average coefficient of performance (COP) of the panels, which work in a similar way to an air-source heat pump, was determined to be 1.6, or 2.2 when taking into account heat losses from the tank.

Renewable technologies have to achieve an average COP over the full heating season of at least 2.5 in order to be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). DECC have said that any changes to the RHI will be decided following the spending review in November.

For more information, visit:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/ ... t_b-gdneco