The Micro DE project was a scoping and feasibility study to identify opportunities for micro-generation storage and control technology development at an individual dwelling level in the UK.The study investigated the potential for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions through Distributed Energy (DE) technologies. This was achieved through the development of a segmented model of the UK housing stock supplemented with detailed, real-time supply and demand energy-usage gathered from field trials of micro distributed generation and storage technology in conjunction with building control systems.The outputs of this project now feed into the Smart Systems and Heat programme.
Key findings are:DE equipment, as installed, does not reach the full potential of its laboratory promise.Buildings Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are required to maximisethe efficiency of both existing heating systems (e.g. gas boilers) together with complex,multiple technology Micro DE technologies installed within the homeThe reasons for underperformance of Micro DE equipment centred in two areas:oThe technologies themselves are sensitive to incorrect design andinstallation.oThe technologies are sensitive to the manner in which they are operated.Traditional domestic heating and hot water technologies are well-understoodby homeowners and it has been wrongly assumed that the same applies to Micro DE technologies.Energy storage is essential to maximise use of generated energy within the home and reduce use of supplemental supplies (of heat or electricity) or export (of electricity).Please note this report was produced in 2010/2011 and its contents may be out of date.
Key findings are:DE equipment, as installed, does not reach the full potential of its laboratory promise.Buildings Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are required to maximisethe efficiency of both existing heating systems (e.g. gas boilers) together with complex,multiple technology Micro DE technologies installed within the homeThe reasons for underperformance of Micro DE equipment centred in two areas:oThe technologies themselves are sensitive to incorrect design andinstallation.oThe technologies are sensitive to the manner in which they are operated.Traditional domestic heating and hot water technologies are well-understoodby homeowners and it has been wrongly assumed that the same applies to Micro DE technologies.Energy storage is essential to maximise use of generated energy within the home and reduce use of supplemental supplies (of heat or electricity) or export (of electricity).Please note this report was produced in 2010/2011 and its contents may be out of date.