Zerokarb

 

Technologies

 

 

This section describes some of the key technologies being employed to achieve housing that conforms to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Electricity: Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic panels consist of solar cells packaged in photovoltaic modules which are electrically connected into multiple solar photovoltaic arrays. They produce direct current electricity from light; this can be used to power equipment or charge batteries. Photovoltaic panels may be connected to the grid, so that surplus electricity is fed back for public use. More information on photovoltaic panels is available from the Solar Trade Association. An example of a leading supplier of photovoltaic panels is Navitron.

Heating: Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps use the outside air as a heat source to warm an interior space. Heat is transferred by moving refrigerant through the heat pump. Vapour refrigerant is pulled into the compressor, which increases pressure and temperature. Hot refrigerant gas passes to the condenser where it transfers heat and condenses into a liquid state. Air Source Heat Pumps typically use between one third and one quarter of the electricity consumed by conventional electrical heating. An example of a leading supplier of Air Source Heat Pumps is Daikin. 

Heating: Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground Source Heat Pumps operate on the same principle as Air Source Heat Pumps, but drawn their heat from the ground rather than the air. The heat exchange is achieved either with loops of tube laid over an area a few feet below ground, or with a vertically bored tube, typically reaching a depth of up to 50 metres. Ground Source Heat Pumps are more expensive to install than Air Course Heat Pumps, but have the advantage that the temperature of the ground is more stable. More information on Ground Source Heat Pumps is available at the Ground Source Heat Pump Association. An example of a leading supplier of Ground Source Heat Pumps is Worcester Bosch.

Structure: Timber Frame

Some Level 6 housing projects are using conventional timber frame construction. If suitably designed this can provide high levels of insulation and air tightness. However, it has the disadvantage of having relatively low thermal mass. More information on timber frame construction is available from the UK Timber Frame Association. An example of a leading supplier of timber frames is Tailor-Made.

Structure: Structural Insulated Panels

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are widely used in Level 6 housing projects. They are high performance insulation panels which can be used in floors, wall, and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. They are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB). More information on SIPs is available from the Structural Insulated Panel Association. An example of a leading supplier of SIPs is Kingspan. 

Structure: Insulated Concrete Formwork

Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is being used as an economical and effective means of building Level 6 housing projects. ICF uses interlocking hollow insulating units, which are dry stacked without mortar and are then filled with concrete which is pumped into the cavities. Reinforcing steel is added before concrete placement. The system has the advantages of minumum waste and good thermal mass. An example of a leading supplier of ICF systems is Creo Prokoncept.

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The Zerokarb website is published by MJP Architects, 9 Heneage Street, Spitalfields, London E1 5LJ. Tel: 020 7377 9262. Fax: 020 7247 7854. Email: mjp@mjparchitects.co.uk. Website: www.mjparchitects.co.uk. Director responsible for Housing: Duncan McKinnon.


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