Non-invasive insulation module – this includes external wall insulation and new windows and doors. The aim with this module is to reduce heat loss through the fabric elements and hence reduce the primary energy demand. The work will also help to improve air tightness and reduce thermal bridging. Since the more invasive insulation measures were ruled out (e.g. floor insulation) we were forced to aim for higher standards with our non-invasive measures by way of compensation. We therefore aim to achieve PassivHaus or very near PassivHaus standards in terms of the target u-values for our walls (0.15W/m2K), windows (0.9W/m2K) and doors (1.2W/m2K).
Extremely low carbon heating module – this includes a wood pellet boiler with automated feed taking pellets from an external pellet store. The external fuel store and automated feed will make this module replicable to almost any rural setting. This is a distinctively rural solution for the following reasons:
- space for storing fuel is usually readily available in rural locations
- pellets are financially comparable to oil and electricity which are traditionally used for heating rural properties off the gas network
- pellet fuel delivery and pellet boiler installation companies tend to be based in rural settings and as such any installation will be supportive of local rural employment opportunities
Combined solar module – this includes both solar thermal and solar photovoltaic panels. The aim is to choose panels that can be installed by one company at the same time and preferably using the same roof fixing kit to ensure minimal disruption to tenants and an attractive, regular mounting pattern. For the houses in this project new hot water tanks will be installed that are solar compatible and supplemented by the main heating boiler. A retrofit solar coil might be considered in some cases where this module is replicated.
Lighting, appliances and control module – this includes fitting low energy light bulbs in addition to new energy efficient white goods, grey goods and cooking appliances. The control element of this module will include a new to market product called V-Phase for regulating the incoming electricity supply and a close to market control unit called Wattbox. The Wattbox will monitor and learn residents’ occupancy and provide a uniquely simple interface for tenants. The innovative step is in monitoring household electrical consumption to learn occupancy patterns from which, the controller anticipates and times space heating. Similarly, it monitors, learns, controls and optimises hot water heating so excess is avoided. It replaces the time clock and thermostat with simple buttons for “more heat” or “less heat”.
