Renewable-energy sources operate in harmony
An integrated approach to using renewable energy has been achieved by RIBA member Steve Gregory for the conversion of an 18th-century barn into a highly energy-efficient family home — with the help of IBD Distribution. He first met IBD at the Housebuilding & Renovation Show and already had an idea about the types of renewables-based systems that he wanted for the 180 m2 property and was keen to ensure that any systems adopted were integrated to ensure the most overall energy-efficient and cost-effective solution was achieved.
Steve Gregory explains, ‘Other exhibitors could offer me advice on specific renewable heating and ventilation technology, but only IBD seemed to have the expertise and knowledge to make them all harmonise and not conflict.’
After consultations and site visits, IBD designed a system that included a Daikin split-system air-source heat pump, Envirotube underfloor heating using screeds for the first and ground floors, Daikin solar-thermal panels and Polypipe radial heat recovery for each room of the barn.
Ensuring the various technologies did not conflict with one another was the task of IBD’s technical director Darren Johnson.
Envirotube underfloor heating is ideal for use with heat pumps due to the energy efficiency of having the thermal mass of the floor maintained by low flow temperatures from the heat pump.
Ventilation heat loss is reduced by the Polypipe MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) system to deliver fresh air.
The solar-thermal panels are used with the heat pumps to produce domestic hot water.
IBD also advised on the space needed to house the plant to facilitate the use of renewable energy.
