A Manchester-based cleantech business has unveiled a cutting edge heat pump driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
Wondrwall claims the technology represents a potential game-changer for both homeowners and housebuilders in terms of low-carbon energy efficiency,
In a first for the company – which has previously prioritised infrared and direct-electrical heating systems – the new air source heat pump provides homes with efficient heating and cooling technology.
Energy efficiencies are generated and comfort maintained through the integration of the heat pump with Wondrwall’s AI-powered Home Energy Management System (HEMS).
Sensor technology within the Wondrwall system allows the HEMS to learn the thermal performance of the home, typical energy use and user preferences in order to adapt flow temperatures and heating schedules based on occupancy and user behaviours.
Daniel Burton, Wondrwall’s chief executive, said: “Our new intelligent heat pump system has the potential to be a real game-changer for the industry. By launching our first heat pump, we are working to ensure our HEMS solution is aligned with prevailing industry standards.
“Not only are we launching a best-in-class new heat pump that generates impressive energy efficiencies, but we are setting a benchmark for collaboration with manufacturers in order to have a truly transformative effect on the UK’s new build homes.
“We want to see Wondrwall’s amazing AI technology bring about major carbon savings and will develop the products the industry needs to see that happen.”
To enable industry-wide collaboration, and support the roll-out of low carbon heating solutions in new build homes at scale, Wondrwall says it is also opening up its proprietary technologies to other heat pump manufacturers.
Trials undertaken by Wondrwall, in collaboration with the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), are said to have found that, in an average new build home using the Wondrwall solution to control the heat pump, energy bills were reduced by 87% when compared to the same home with just the heat pump alone.
Furthermore, the heat pump is said to deliver grid flexibility, matching energy needs to grid needs without impact on the homeowner, and reducing downtime.
The unveiling of the heat pump comes weeks before the Future Homes Standard is fully adopted, which aims to rapidly increase the building performance of new homes in the UK.
The Future Homes Standard aims to ensure new homes built from 2025 produce 75% to 80% less carbon emissions than those constructed under the current regulations.
Dependent on building fabric, Wondrwall claims that homes with its heat pump and HEMS solution will achieve a net zero rating with zero carbon emissions.
Mark Lufkin, chief product officer at Wondrwall, said: “On its own this heat pump has multiple benefits for homeowners and housebuilders. From its quiet operation to its adaptive start/stop technology, we expect it to be a hit with those looking to achieve cost savings and energy efficiencies that exceed current Future Homes Standard performance.
“The results from the DESNZ trial were very promising, reducing energy bills by 80% compared to homes with just a standard heat pump. We felt we could do better though with closer integration of the heat pump and the rest of the Wondrwall solution.
“With the launch of this new heat pump we aim to demonstrate the art of the possible when it comes to heat pump energy efficiency. However, opening up our API to other manufacturers will mean that all heat pump manufacturers will also be able to benefit from the AI-powered savings Wondrwall’s HEMS can offer.
“This is a first for us, and the industry, and we are very encouraged by the interest generated so far.”
Main image: Daniel Burton, chief executive, Wondrwall
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