Maximising the use of renewable energy sources

Hoval’s CombiSol versatile thermal storage vessel enables various renewable and conventional heat sources to be easily combined and controlled effectively in a single system for space heating and domestic hot water. For example, solar heating can be combined with a condensing boiler to make maximum use of available solar energy, supplemented by the condensing boiler. The vessel has two coils for connecting to different heat sources. There is also a stainless-steel sphere for DHW which is heated by the surrounding hot water in the vessel. Suitable heat sources include solar panels, heat pumps, biomass and gas or oil boilers (condensing or conventional). An immersion heater can be installed for DHW if required. A 3-way valve enables heat to be directed to either or both of the coils, so the system can respond precisely to changing demands for heating and hot water — while optimising use of renewable-energy sources. The system can be combined with Hoval’s TopTronic controller, which is designed to facilitate integration of different heating technologies. The stainless-steel sphere increases stratification in the thermal storage vessel by preventing the primary water at the top of the vessel being stirred up, keeping the DHW at safe temperatures. Combisol is suitable for relatively low DHW requirements such as offices. It comes in two sizes. One has 900 l of capacity for heating and 220 l of DHW storage. The other stores 1200 litres of water for heating and 320 l of DHW. Other Hoval products relevant to renewable energy include biomass boilers, solar-heating systems and ground- and air-source heat pumps.

Related links:

• www.hoval.co.uk/

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