A2EP will tomorrow run one of two workshops that help you helps assess the readiness of a site for heat pump integration, via a simplified testing methodology, especially in brownfield or retrofit environments where existing infrastructure may pose challenges.
Each year, the Australian commercial building sector consumes more than 40 PJ of fossil gas, primarily for space heating. Such heating can be economically electrified with heat pumps to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. However, currently, only around 20 commercial buildings are being retrofitted with heat pumps each year. At that rate, it will take several decades for the current building stock to get off gas.
A2EP has identified that lowering the temperature of hot water for heating is a vital step for the electrification of commercial buildings. It can more than halve the capital costs of replacing a fossil gas boiler with a heat pump.
To build the capacity of the commercial building industry to install heat pumps and electrify building stock, A2EP has created a workshop to outline a simplified testing methodology that helps assess the readiness of a site for heat pump integration, especially in brownfield or retrofit environments where existing infrastructure may pose challenges. The workshop will provide guidance for stakeholders on two key activities:
1. Lowering HHW supply temperatures – initiating testing regimes to explore this possibility and ensure the system’s performance at lower temperatures.
2. System capability testing – generalised methodology for assessing whether existing HHW systems can accommodate lower supply temperatures will be presented and include baseline testing, field testing at reduced temperatures, and monitoring system responses such as flow rates and zone temperatures.
After the workshop, we will tour the building and finish with networking drinks.