Thermal Control System Including Waste Thermal Energy Re-Use

This project will focus on producing a system which will reduce fuel used for heating water and spaces. This innovative new system is designed to control the capture of waste thermal energy from various sources, store it in insulated storage tanks and re-deploy it as required. This control system will be able to identify when thermal energy is available and transfer it to a suitable destination. In addition the complete system includes an energy efficient alternative HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system to reduce the reliance on expensive to run air conditioning units. The system will also be able to accept thermal inputs from more traditionally availble sources, such as solar thermal panels.
The system will be able to be retrofitted to existing buildings, and will be ideally suited to new builds as part of an efficient building programme. In addition at some point in the future it will be relatively simple to adapt the same system for use in emergency camps, building sites or other locations where fixed energy resources are limited.
The sources of captured heat could include:
- Heat transferred from outlets and exhausts (cooking appliances, generators, etc)
- Heat transferred from waste water sources.
- Air conditioning or refrigeration units
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Solar thermal panels
- Any industrial waste heat
This system combines innovative new components with existing technology in a novel way.
Although some research has already been carried out, further work in this area is needed in order to prove the scientific and commercial merit of this project. Therefore Phase 1 of this project will focus on assessing the viability of the system including recommending preferred options. This will include research into the following:
- Existing technology.
- Heat sources.
- Control system capability.
- Potential fuel savings. .