Controls, Monitoring, Optimisation. G-Core are experts in complex geothermal heating and cooling systems

Controls

With respect to larger commercial designs that have heating and cooling systems alongside other supplementary plant operating bivalent points for heating and cooling loads precise control is paramount. It is very necessary to interrogate the mechanical systems beyond the heat pumps in order to provide the correct control strategy.

Many controls philosophies that dictate the heat pump operation are working from set points and temperature sensors downstream from the heat pump plant. We often have to provide specific high end information through BACnet or ModBUS to support Trend systems or in some cases supply our own dedicated control panel which is independently linked to by the Building Management System.

This is a welcomed approach from Ofgem and many consultants as the systems have to be installed for offering the best long term benefit and be technically scrutinised.

Monitoring

It is now a requirement through the Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) that the electrical consumption of the main heat pump plant and ancillary pumps are monitored and logged to prove ongoing seasonal performance factors (SPF) and efficiencies.

We are currently offering a separate energy monitoring panel which is purely built to analyse energy loads and flag efficiency discrepancies off site and separate from the main BMS. Once identified the findings can be discussed and the system adjusted if required as part of an ongoing service and seasonal commissioning approach we adopt with our clients.

Smaller ground source and air source systems will often operate from built in unit controllers from the manufacturers. It is vitally important to maximise the efficiency of operation that system flow temperatures, times of operation and weather compensation are all considered within smaller or domestic situations.