Independent year-long trials prove real world performance of renewable Ecodan®

Mitsubishi Electric has released the results of independently audited data from year-long trials into the performance of its market-leading, Ecodan® air source heat pump system at 23 sites around the UK.

The results show that Ecodan achieved an average seasonal performance of 2.9 when measured against the Government’s preferred boundary condition for calculating heat pump performance – known as the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPFH4).

The EU defines the renewable threshold as an average seasonal performance of 2.5, when measured against reduced boundary conditions covering the performance of the heat pump in isolation (known as SPFH2).

SPFH4conditions widen the monitoring by including all auxiliary power consumption and this gives a much clearer indication of overall system performance.  15 of the Ecodan sites also achieved an SPFH4average of 2.98 across the winter of 2011-2012 – one of the coldest on record for decades, and seven of the sites achieved an average of 3.04.

“These tests measured all auxiliary power consumption as well as that of the heat pump itself so it gives a much more accurate indication of the overall performance,” explains John Kellett, General Manager of Mitsubishi Electric’s Ecodan heating range. 

As calculated by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), Ecodan demonstrated average estimated annual operating cost savings of 8% over a gas condensing boiler, 36% over an oil condensing boiler and 67% over a direct electric heating system.   

Estimated carbon emission savings of 21%, 41% and 67%, respectively, were also demonstrated and the EST report also shows that after future grid decarbonisation, these carbon savings rise to 85% over gas and 88% over oil.

The data collected by Mitsubishi Electric from the trials, was audited and analysed by the EST using exactly the same methodology as Phase Two of the EST’s own year-long trials into heat pump sites in the UK, which has been recently announced. 

Both trials measure to the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPFH4) standards, which is the set of conditions preferred by the Department of the Environment and Climate Change (DECC).

“Many heat pumps on the market report high performance levels that are based on a static factory test condition and although these are useful comparative tools, they are no substitute for real world performance data,” comments Tom Byrne, Assistant Technical Manager for the Energy Saving Trust and Project Manager for the field trials. 

“We would always suggest that anyone looking at installing a heat pump should request the SPFH4data from the manufacturer to provide a real comparison on performance before making a decision.”

The SPF calculation takes into account not only the heat output from the heat pump, but also any auxiliary electrical booster including the immersion heater and divides this by the electrical input to all of the power consuming elements of the system. 

The Ecodan trials took place in 23 homes across the country in places as far apart as North Wales, Cornwall, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Northumberland and the Isle of Wight.

The results also show that the design and operation of any heat pump system will have an impact on its performance levels.

“The EST is the UK’s leading organisation in helping people save energy and is widely respected for its independence,” adds Kellett.

“We wanted to put our systems through the same rigorous independent testing so that we could prove how well they perform all over the country and in a wide variety of properties.”

Further information on the advance range of renewable heating solutions can be found at heating.mitsubishielectric.co.uk or by calling 01707 282880.

Ends

Notes to editor:

Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric is a global, market leading, environmental technologies manufacturer, producing an advanced range of heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment. The company realises that ensuring the right solutions are selected for each individual building, requires collaboration by all involved. Mitsubishi Electric has therefore changed the way it does business to ensure engagement with all involved in delivering sustainable buildings so that together, we can make a world of difference.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is a social enterprise with a charitable Foundation, which gives impartial, accurate and independent advice to households, communities and organisations on how to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills and use water more sustainably. EST works with governments, local authorities, communities, third sector organisations and businesses. EST’s activities include: 

• delivering or managing government programmes
• testing low-carbon technology
• certification and assurance for businesses and consumer goods
• developing models and tools

For further details please visit: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

For further editorial information please contact:

Russell Jones: Email: russell.jones@meuk.mee.com
PR & Communications Manager: Telephone: 01707 278772

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