Improving Heat Pump Performance Through Intelligent Controls
Challenge
An existing heat pump installation in Totnes, Devon was delivering disappointing efficiency. The system had a 12 kW heat pump, which turned out to be very oversized, running at a fixed flow temperature of 45°C, with undersized primary pipework.
The homeowner wanted better performance and lower running costs without unnecessarily replacing the entire heating system, and willingly stepped forward to take part in the trial.
What we did
Firepower specified and coordinated alongside a local installation company (Greener Devon Renewables), that carried out the installation work. We also installed independent monitoring equipment to establish baseline performance before trialling the Adia Thermal intelligent heating controller.
During the process we removed redundant components and installed the Adia controller, room sensors and automated radiator valves.
The controller then began learning the property's heating requirements, automatically adjusting heating temperatures and balancing heat delivery across rooms, whilst maintaining it as an open zone heating system, and allowing the homeowner to select individual room temperatures.
Monitoring also highlighted a substantial discrepancy between the existing 12 kW heat pump and the property's likely heating demand. We carried out a heat loss calculation which came out at approximately 7 kW, while subsequent measurement by Adia indicated closer to 4 kW!
Rather than recommending wholesale radiator and pipework replacement, Adia then identified targeted improvements, including upgrading just one radiator.
Potential savings and benefits
- Approximately 50% lower heating running costs, as reported by the homeowner.
- Improved room temperatures and comfort, with straightforward app-based control.
- The ability to make use of the homeowner's time-of-use electricity tariff.
- Reduced heat pump cycling and lower operating temperatures.
- Avoidance of unnecessary radiator and pipework replacements.
- A clearer understanding of the property's actual heating requirements before selecting a replacement heat pump.
- A practical route to improving performance through phased upgrades rather than extensive upfront work.
The trial demonstrated how independent monitoring and intelligent controls can reveal opportunities to improve an existing installation before committing to more expensive, and disruptive, alterations.
The running cost reduction was reported by the homeowner and is specific to this installation. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed or typical saving.
Related
Adia
Adia is a heat pump autopilot that makes installation easier, with less disruption, it optimises the system in the background, and makes it a pleasure to control