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Calor LPG Powered Sanyo Gas Heat Pumps
For heating and cooling
You’ve no doubt heard of ground and air source heat pumps – but what about gas heat pumps (GHPs)? Calor is actively promoting the Sanyo GHP, which can run on LPG, and here we provide the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is the Sanyo GHP?
Sanyo’s GHP is a gas powered (natural or LPG) Variable Refrigerant Flow air conditioning system. A GHP comprises an internal combustion engine which drives a refrigeration compressor. It’s unique in that it’s the only three pipe VRF system in Europe that can run on LPG. Being three pipe means it provides simultaneous heating and cooling, but there is a two pipe option available for heating or cooling. The system requires a single phase, rather than three phase, supply.
The Sanyo GHP delivers environmentally friendly heat (and hot water if required) whilst providing energy efficient, innovative air conditioning and reducing electrical demand. There will be one outdoor unit (a condenser, which is usually sited on the roof), and several indoor units.
How does a heat pump work?
Heat pumps transfer heat, taking it from where it isn’t needed to where it is, and upgrade it to a more useful temperature. In the winter, heat is extracted from the air outdoors and is transferred indoors. In the summer this is reversed. As such, it’s recognised as a ‘green’ technology.
How efficient are they?
The Sanyo GHP is over 130 per cent efficient1 . It uses natural gas or LPG to drive an engine, which in turn drives a heat pump to produce heating or cooling.
Where are they usually installed?
For businesses that want cooling as well as heating, but have a limited or unreliable electricity supply, GHPs are an ideal solution. They are particularly appropriate for rural hotels, leisure centres
and holiday parks. Hotels with a four or five star rating must offer air conditioning, heating and cooling, and this is even becoming standard for those with a three star rating. Air conditioning can increase a hotel’s revenue, and even small proprietors can benefit
Where are they available from?
Calor is working in partnership with Sanyo distributor Oceanair. Trading since 1999, the company has three southern branches and one in the Midlands. Oceanair doesn’t install the equipment; they design the heating / cooling systems and supply the units. If you have a customer that is interested, Oceanair will arrange a full site survey and will prepare a design and quotation (call 01902 429954)
What qualifications are required to install a system?
You must be a qualified refrigeration engineer and CORGI registered with a CONGLP1 – LPG qualification.
How much do they cost?
Installed price of the heat pump unit starts at around £25,000 (Oceanair suggests between £120 to £150 per square metre), but with the Enhanced and Capital Allowance scheme this can be 100 per cent allowable in year one. An electric air conditioning installation would be around £6,000 lower, but the cost of upgrading the electrical supply could be over £15,000. A hotel could be looking at a payback of just 18 months (excluding any Enhanced and Capital Allowance benefit).
Sources
1. Oceanair
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