TIP No. 24: A 5th year of degrading KPI’s for Winter Heat Pump usage across UK Health Care & Heritage Buildings in critical areas …… ……….

This sad & controversial Analysis is based upon the empirical measurements of 60 months continuous data logging. Even when comparing equivalent daily Ambient versus equivalent Heat Profile Loading across disparate locations by equally diligent high-quality installations, the conclusions were decisive: Heat Pump COP_T’s were degrading steadily per annum whilst running costs on input Maintenance & Operating costs (MOPEX) were escalating. There were winter SCOP’s predicted at 3 to 4 now barely logging 2.2 and finally reducing performance year by year to <1.55.

Physical inspections showed heavy deterioration across the metal H.P. chassis plus severe crevice corrosion on all interior components. Despite it being observed, that innovative weatherproofing techniques had been attempted, to protect these installations the negative judgement by OEM professionals was the same. It was concluded that over half of inspected sites would require complete H.P. replacement within a further two years.

 This evidence for a resilience Less than 7 years since commissioning, was in complete conflict to original Design Submittals and Banking finance acceptance on a 12-15year investment horizon. This steady degrading performance situation for ASHP’s (at Year Five) was coincidental for all installations within 5-8kms along the coastline of western Britain. The loss of financial investment justification was not much improved by the higher cost of an “M” designated ASHP with Blygold or Heresite coated evaporator coils.

The constant H.P. degradation by salt aerosols at >50mg/m²/day from the frequent winter winds & high seas was observed to necessitate the full “Marine Protection” compliance of sea going naval vessels. At a minimum, all ASHP in this critical coastal Zone must meet compliance to C5-M coating (ISO12944) at C5-1 to validate a TIER 1 Investment under (ASHRAE/CIBSE) Level 3 Investment Grade Audit.

Until that time, when High-Fidelity Marine-Grade ASHP’s become available, it must be better financial wisdom, if your Heritage or Healthcare Property is within sight of the sea, to select alternative Heat Pump variants: e.g. EAHP or GSHP or SWHP until finally stooping lower for cheapest CAPEX, but highest OPEX, with direct heating Electric Resistance Coils at COP = 0.96

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