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Latest News

AccuRATE V1.1.3.0

The latest version of 2nd Gen BTP Assessment tools has been released.

DoP agree to a new Pilot to commence early February 2007.

BASIX (DIY) Review

ABSA instrumental in securing DoP DIY Sustainability Tool - DoP Review...not independent but a starting point 

Visit the ABSA Site for further details.

DIY found to lower the standard of Residential Building BTP in NSW - varies between 200% to 400% below Simulation Method when compared with NatHERS and far more variation expected to AccuRATE.

 

 

 

 
Free Hot Water

 

Hot Water

Water is heated for consumption (kitchen, laundry, bathroom) or as a means to heat the development (radiator or in-floor heating loop).

Solar contribution to water heating reduces demand for use of other fuels.

Environmental support fuels can be wood where wood source is connected, or gas through the acceptable calorific value of the fuel.

Electrical heating draws high power input beyond the capacity of most renewable energy systems, or uses fossil fuel sourced mains electricity.

Gas fuels can span the range from conventional fossil fuel sources to more environmental land fill retrieved gases or agricultural waste gases (methane) right through to hydrogen from electrolysis. The latter has the lowest pollutant output, combustion of hydrogen leaving water as residue.

Water heating by solar means

Can result in water temperatures from tepid to hot, dependant on installation effectiveness and season.

Good clear solar access, correct inclination, effective thermosyphon of heated water, deliberate obstruction of backsyphon of heated water releasing heat to atmosphere, insulation of tanks and panels, avoiding wind chill of panels; all these detail issues contribute to system efficiency.

Systems using conductive fluids should not be used where sited on water collection roofs as release of fluid when pressurised can contaminate water collection.

Tepid solar heated water can be boosted at point of use to minimise boost heating required.

A variety of water heating systems already operating in projects from this practice include:-

  • in roof space solar hot water storage system with winter wood fire wet back boost operating from rain water supply have been operating in a project completed in Malaysia
  • in roof space solar hot water storage system with winter wood fire wet back boost operating from rain water supply have been operating in a number of projects successfully in similar locations.
  • NO fossil fuel use with mains electric boost have been operating  in remote locations
  • in roof space solar hot water storage system with mains electric boost have been operating in many locations
  • in roof space solar hot water storage system with wood stove wet back boost have been operating using NO fossil fuel
  • home made solar hot water storage system operating from rain using NO fossil fuel
  • roof mounted solar hot water storage with gas boost and 12V DC ignition powered from renewable energy system operating from rain water since have been used in residential work

The philosophy in each of these installations is to:-

  • maximise on-site self sufficiency (wood lot, rain water)
  • minimise energy demand (minimum off-site or fossil fuel energy)
  • maximise service life (rain water, gravity feed or <40psi pressure) in each installation to suit the circumstances of each project.
Prominent outcomes are:-
  • maximising solar contribution to heating,
  • minimising boost and requiring occupant intervention to instigate boost,
  • using renewable power for boost where practicable,
  • using low ion content in rain water to maximise hot water service life,
  • adjusting occupier expectations/use habits to achieve minimum services demand. This includes carrying out laundry operation in sunny weather, etc.

The buildings themselves in these projects also follow a low energy demand philosophy. Space heating is in part by passive solar, though in some designs the summer ventilation focus also reduces north facing glazing, accepting that the low winter passive heat gain rates achieved is in the dry arid project locations still sufficient to achieve comfort.

A number of projects incorporate specific internal greenhouse spaces which can be sealed from or opened to the home to encourage summer outward ventilation and winter heat inward flow.

Projects incorporating a sun room with pergola shading to grade between winter passive gain and summer cross-ventilation have been designed. The result is minimised formal space heating requirements.

A number of project designs incorporate in-slab warm water piping from solar roof collectors for space heating.

The remnant space heating demand then in these various projects is achieved from wood fire fuelled from on-site wood supplies. That fire source in some projects is also a cooking source and finally has a wet back hot water boost.

Total energy demand for these projects thus is between 0.8 to 1.7kWhr/day and make reliance on modest size renewable energy systems effective - without back up practicable.

 

 

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Last Modified: Sunday, 21 January 2007 10:57:37 AM