Lower generating capacity and increasing demand for power mean that the UK needs to take a long, hard look at energy consumption and sourcing. Paul Taylor explains how gas heat pump technology can supply heating and cooling while, at the same time, helping to generate power.
Experts have warned that the UK will experience prolonged power cuts within five years unless urgent action is taken now to improve energy generation.

European legislation (Large Combustion Plant Directive - LCPD) means that a large number of existing coal power stations are due to close by the end of 2015. In addition, ageing nuclear stations will close in the years leading up to 2020 as they reach the end of their operational lives.

Despite efforts to improve efficiency, demand for electricity is expected to increase in coming years. If power plants are not replaced then the UK could face a major shortfall in electricity supply.

To put this in context, one third of the country's electricity generating capacity is due to be decommissioned by 2020, with the loss of 23 gigawatts of capacity, rising to 35 gigawatts by 2027. This reduction in generation capacity is not being replaced quickly enough. If the UK continues along its current path, there will only be one nuclear reactor in operation by 2023. The UK is facing a full blown power supply crunch. This energy gap looks set to have severe economic consequences.

Companies planning to expand may have to curtail their growth, or consider relocating to areas with secure power supplies, away from city hot spots such as London where power connection challenges are already being felt.

While the Government adapts energy and economic policies, business and commerce must continue, with innovation and diversification the key watch-words to ensure survival and growth in these uncertain times.

Forward thinking companies are acting now to limit their electrical usage by examining every aspect of their business in terms of power efficiency.


This is especially relevant for air conditioning which accounts for 30 per cent of a typical office's annual electricity usage.

Choosing gas heat pump (GHP) technology could be the best decision ever made by those looking to update their air conditioning solutions.

Using gas to drive the compressor overcomes many of the problems of obtaining a suitable electricity supply. A three-phase supply is available in only about 60 per cent of UK commercial properties and is very expensive to install. Large airconditioning systems cannot be run from a single-phase supply.

Power use minimised

The electrical power consumption of GHP systems is kept to a minimum since outdoor units only require a single phase power supply to run auxiliary items such as controls and fans systems, with levels as low as 0.7kW usage possible.

The gas infrastructure in the UK is very well-established.

Using gas for air-conditioning will help take the pressure off an already fragile electricity supply and offers users who are off the national grid in rural locations, or those nearing their power consumption limits, a great air conditioning solution.

Not only that, but under certain conditions, the system is capable of generating electricity, which can then be re-used or sold back into the national grid.

Heat pump air conditioning also has the advantage of eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems, with both actions carried out by one unit, resulting in a highly efficient indoor temperature control. Further efficiency is gained for the recovery and re-use of the waste heat from combustion, preventing energy loss and providing powerful quick-start heating, and requiring no defrost cycle. The engine waste heat, which is normally exhausted into the atmosphere, is recovered by means of the heat exchanger and is also used to produce hot water for sanitary uses.

By using gas as a heat source and only minimal electricity usage, the GHP range offers a great alternative air conditioning solution for companies facing power shortages. Buying standalone site generators is prohibitively expensive, and solar and other alternative power generation technology may not yet offer an affordable solution for everyone, so modern GHP systems may have the answer.

Gas-driven VRF ac system

The future for Panasonic's gas heat pump (GHP) range is the ECO G Power gas-driven air conditioning system, said to be the first European VRF system to supply heating and cooling while co-generating hot water and electrical power. The ECO G Power is fitted with a permanent magnet, non-bearing type generator. Each ECO G Power unit has a 4kW generator which provides enough power to run 40 indoor air conditioning units or the equivalent of eight computers. Depending on air conditioning load, the unit generates from 2 to 4kW of electricity with a generation efficiency of more than 40 per cent. The 20HP model provides 56kW cooling or 63kW heating. The unit can also generate 22kW of hot water.

Meanwhile, an electricity output to a power inverter allows the power to be used either on site or to be sent back to the grid. This helps ensure users do not exceed their power limitations and end up facing penalties.

GHP technology provides commercial building owners and energy managers with a proven alternative to traditional three-phase airconditioning solutions. GHP can also contribute to a reduction in the burden on the UK's power supply network, by making use of the existing gas supply infrastructure. It's an air conditioning alternative that deserves proper consideration in an increasing number of commercial applications.

• Paul Taylor is sales manager of Panasonic