No Power Hot Water Phase 2

Completed

Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research
Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour)

Project Contact
Cadent Gas

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 June 2020

01 April 2021

ENA months

£168,600

Energy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Cadent Gas

Building on the research previously undertaken by NPL, this phase of work will investigate two potential candidate heat storage and release solutions. It is envisaged that the project will be executed utilising the Cadent change management approach with defined success criteria for each of the stages and deliverables.The sanction value is to fund the first phase of work which will continue the research and then the development of heating water without power. This will be completed in 10 months with the completed designs for three potential solutions.• Sodium acetate phase change material (PCM) • Non-toxic, non-flammable, cheap and available in large quantities.• Reusable• Sodium acetate phase change material (PCM) with Doping (additional chemicals added to increase heat exchange)• Non-toxic, non-flammable, cheap and available in large quantities.• Reusable• Battery connected to heat mat or coil • Well established methods for connecting coils or heater mats• Reusable• Environmentally friendly The project will be led by National Physics Laboratory (NPL). They have been chosen for their expertise in thermal development, temperature measurements & control. Key Objectives & Deliverables:At the end of this phase we will have agreed three design drawings with specifications for each outlined. We will then be able to decide on which we would take forward to prototyping and further testing within the laboratory. This phase is split into 4 work packages for each technique & has five outputs:• Technology Investigation & requirements specification report.• Concept designs & report• Detailed designs & report• Engineering drawings & pre-manufacture report • Final Report & next steps

GDNs currently have a licence condition to provide fan heaters & hot plates to the most vulnerable customers during a gas outage to stay warm, heat water & food. However, some customers will not be able transfer the hot water to a bowl or sink to be able to wash or clean with. Additional cost to the customer to use alternative power to heat water has also been considered. There are occasions when the electricity is also disrupted so this solution would also resolve the issue for customers during both electricity & gas outages.

02/11/22