Ch6 Flashcards
Define the term microgeneration.
Small scale generation of heat and power.
List the main sources of microgeneration in microelectricity technologies.
- Solar PV
- Wind
List the main sources of microgeneration in microheat technologies.
- Solar thermal
- Ground source heat pumps
- Biomass
Identify two micro-electricity technologies.
- Solar PV
- Wind
Name two micro electricity technologies and two micro heat technologies.
Micro electricity technologies: * Solar PV
* Wind Turbines
Micro heat technologies: * Biomass
* Solar thermal
* Ground source heat pump
Identify two of the main benefits of home or community microgeneration of electricity.
- Reduced energy costs
- Contribution to environmental targets
- Enhanced security of supply
- Financial incentives
Identify two economic benefits for a school installing a ground source heat pump.
- Lower heating bills for the school
- Benefit from government incentives, e.g. Renewable Heat Incentive
Identify two environmental benefits for a school installing a ground source heat pump.
- Does not burn fossil fuels as a fuel source, therefore doesn’t produce carbon dioxide on site
- Deliveries of heating fuel are no longer necessary
Discuss one benefit of community microgeneration using a ground source heat pump.
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Explain the role of the evaporator in a ground source heat pump.
In the evaporator, heat is transferred from the ground loop into the refrigerant, causing it to boil and evaporate.
Explain the role of the compressor in a ground source heat pump.
The gas from the evaporator is compressed to increase its pressure, which in turn increases the temperature of the refrigerant.
Explain the role of the condenser in a ground source heat pump.
The condenser acts as a heat exchanger where heat is transferred to the heating system of the house, cooling the refrigerant.
Explain the role of the expansion valve in a ground source heat pump.
The refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature before returning to the evaporator.
What does the Coefficient of Performance (COP) measure?
The efficiency of a heat pump.
Write the formula for the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
COP = heat produced by heat pump / energy consumed by heat pump
If a heat pump uses up 3.6 MJ in one hour and has a COP of 3.5, what is the heat output?
Heat output = COP * energy consumed = 3.5 * 3.6 MJ
Identify the common types of closed-loop ground source heat pump systems available for domestic homes.
- Vertical
- Horizontal
- Pond
What type of ground loop would be best for a school with limited space?
A vertical ground loop.
