Obtaining the heat loss coefficient of a dwelling using its heating system (integrated coheating)

Farmer, D; Johnston, D; Miles-Shenton, D

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology, along with some of the initial findings and observations from tests performed on two dwellings, of differing construction and form, in which a coheating test was performed using the dwelling’s central heating system; this method is referred to as integrated coheating. Data obtained during the integrated coheating tests using a dwelling’s heating system have been compared with data obtained during electric coheating of the same dwelling. In one instance, integrated coheating test data from one dwelling was compared to a similar adjoining control dwelling that was simultaneously subject to an electric coheating test. The results show a good agreement between the heat loss coefficients (HLC) obtained using a dwelling’s own heating system and those obtained through electrical coheating. Initial analysis suggests the HLC estimate obtained from integrated coheating is likely to be more representative of how a dwelling performs in-use. The findings question the appropriateness of comparing current steady-state HLC predictions to those derived from in-use monitoring data. Integrated coheating has the potential to provide a more cost-effective and informative indication of whole house heat loss than electric coheating, as it enables in situ quantification of both fabric and heating system performance.

Citation

Farmer, D., Johnston, D., & Miles-Shenton, D. (2016). Obtaining the heat loss coefficient of a dwelling using its heating system (integrated coheating). Energy and Buildings, 117, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.02.013

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 6, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Feb 10, 2016
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Nov 29, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 29, 2019
• Journal: Energy and Buildings
• Print ISSN: 0378-7788
• Electronic ISSN: 1872-6178
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 117
• Pages: 1-10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.02.013
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.02.013
• Related Public URLs: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/energy-and-buildings