START THINKING ABOUT GREEN ENERGY AT ASHTON COURT.
It’s important to research and have a number of options available and in several locations.
Outlined in a recent Historic England document*:
Green engineering. Energy generation infrastructure, insulation, compartmentalisation, heating and cooling etc. should be co-developed with proposed phased repairs and uses.
Electricity options – solar on the main south range, with attic space for services infrastructure. Back up from green sourced electric grid supply.
Ground source heat pumps from horizontal or coiled pipes – efficient - buried in an area of open ground near to mansion 1.5 – 2m down (behind N.W. wing?).
Vertical core providing heat source is efficient (needs archaeology etc.)
Probably new access/service wings/towers will be built at rear of building and can accommodate pumps. It may be possible to sink vertical cores here.
Air source heat pumps added to mix. Can be noisy?
Insulation and heating – essential to control heat loss. Also sound and fire compartmentalisation. Maybe cellulose insulation or similar behind panelling and deeper ceiling spaces which also allow for services. Secondary glazing. Installation of blinds to deal with solar gain.
Emitter e.g. underfloor (using screed) or large radiators and pipes (because heating to a lower temp. Air ducts? To a certain extent intended uses will inform choices of emitter.
Exchange heat around buildings and between zones potentially i.e. between warm south front and cold De Lyons.
Future proofing in case there are changes in use.
Zone buildings groups to isolate energy requirements and shut off usage and which can have independent supplies from core sources. Should be able to send to other zones.
Services plant. Large attic spaces at the Mansion will be useful for services plant. Very few are adaptable to living space/storage because of low head room.
Computer controlled energy sources and supply from central point with and emergency override.
FABRIC AND FORM
Image and research: FAM volunteers
Energy use depends on a building’s shape, size and construction.
Ashton Court has a very large external surface area which exchanges heat/moisture with the outside world.
Energy can be reduced by keeping historic buildings in a good state of repair – fixing leaks and draughts should be top priority. If water is getting in, the building will be impossible to heat efficiently.
AIR AND WATER VAPOUR
Image and research: FAM volunteers
Historic buildings have a lot of air flowing in and out through draughty windows, doors, floors, chimneys and even walls – it is hard to keep heated air inside. To be energy efficient, we need to allow just enough air in to ventilate the space.
AIR AND WATER VAPOUR
Image and reseach: FAM voluteers
Damp air can lead to condensation drops forming when temperatures fall. If the building is very damp, it may need heating all the time, to prevent water damage.
CARBON INTENSITY
Research: FAM volunteer
All buildings use energy for light, heat and to power appliances. We can reduce the impact of historic buildings by using low carbon energy sources.
This might include on-site renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels or heat pumps; or buying “green energy” from the grid, so that the renewable energy is generated off-site.
CONTROLS AND ZONING
Image and research: FAM volunteers
Not all spaces at Ashton Court need to be heated to the same level. For example, unoccupied rooms only need enough heat to prevent condensation, but office spaces need to be much warmer.
CONTROLS AND ZONING
Image and research: fAM volunteers
Efficient heating systems and controls use “zoning” to allow different areas to be controlled separately. A smart control system can alert users to any problems.
INSULATION
Images and research: FAM volunteers
Insulation reduces heat loss through a building’s walls, roof or floor. Options are limited as we need to avoid changing the building’s historic appearance.
But wall hangings, interior wood panels, window shutters and secondary glazing, curtains and carpets can all reduce air –flow and increase surface temperatures while pipe lagging improves heating efficiency.
LIGHTING AND POWER
Image and research: FAM volunteers
People working at Ashton Court use electricity to power computers, heating pumps and fans, and catering equipment. They also need appropriate levels of light.
In historic and modern buildings, it is usually possible to minimise this energy use by turning off lights and appliances when not needed, and by choosing the most energy efficient devices.
