Smart Operation for a Low Carbon Energy Region (SOLCER)
The aim of the SOLCER project is to implement combinations of existing and emerging low carbon technologies through a systems based approach in order to optimise the use of energy at the point of generation.
Background
In May 2014, GB-Sol in collaboration with Warm Wales - Cymru
Gynnes (WWCG) successfully won a contract with the Welsh
School of Architecture (WSA) at Cardiff University to deliver a set of domestic retrofits as part of the Smart Operation for a
Low Carbon Energy Regions ‘SOLCER’ project.
The overall aim of the SOLCER project was to implement existing & emerging low carbon technologies through a systems based approach at different scales, from building, through community to local authority/regional & to learn appropriate lessons about how to secure wider implementation of these technologies..
The systems based approach refers to the combination of renewable energy supply, electrical or thermal storage together with demand reduction technologies. Funding for the
SOLCER project is from the WEFO funded LCRI Convergence
Energy Programme which was launched in September 2009 with funding of more than £15 million from the European
Regional development Fund, through the Welsh Government & matched with £19 million from Welsh Universities & Industry.
The retrofit programme of contracted works saw GB-Sol,
WWCG & the WSA with the common aim to integrate low carbon systems - renewable energy supply, storage & demand reduction - into five existing typical residential buildings across Wales to demonstrate how the test systems perform in-situ. These residential buildings are owned by
Registered Social Landlords (RSL). The residents were to remain in-situ and planning permission should not be required to allow the works to take place.
Demand reduction:
• External Wall Insulation & associated best practise solutions; • Simple to install internal wall insulation;
• Aero gel insulation methods to further reduce cold bridging & performance gaps;
• Innovative loft insulation & storage solutions to utilise loft space efficiently for residents
• Whole house LED lighting.
• Thorough draft proofing following air tightness tests;
• Smart heating controls;
• ‘Radical’ efficient radiators;
• Wall Integrated Real Time Energy Display, showing gas, water & electricity consumption.
Thermal and electrical energy storage
• Whole house integrated battery storage;
• Pre heated hot water from surplus energy generation. Renewable Energy Supply Systems:
• Roof integrated photo voltaic system (RIS);
• Mechanical ventilation & heat recovery.
Case Study SOLCER, Wales Convergence Areas – 2014-2015
GB-Sol – low cost PV panels, bespoke PV panels, mounting systems and PV accessories
Smart Operation for a Low Carbon Energy Region (SOLCER)
The aim of the SOLCER project is to implement combinations of existing and emerging low carbon technologies through a systems based approach in order to optimise the use of energy at the point of generation.
Moving Forward Together
The GB Sol-WWCG-WSA Consortium have worked together to design & install the test systems to suit the buildings that they were installed in. This has provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate GB-Sol’s capabilities in low carbon residential building refurbishment & to work with the WSA at Cardiff University on the implementation of appropriate & replicable innovative low carbon technologies.
Together we are working towards low cost retrofit solutions with proven monitored results, utilising innovative solutions & proven best practice to support the energy saving industry moving forward, & to maximise value for money through future Green Deal &
ECO initiatives.
The significance of SOLCER is to try to drive down the cost of carbon from retrofit to make it more possible to help to achieve the targets set by Government of 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. This work will help to driving an evolutionary step-change in the retrofit market, which can support Green Deal & ECO solutions for future years.
This successful project will provide a solid foundation of reliable data to help select the most cost-effective solution to improved thermal comfort using funds available. Monitoring
An extensive remote monitoring system has been installed in each property to monitor:
• Technical performance of components - Detailed energy losses, performance of components & how the system functions together;
• Influence on comfort & quality of environment quality of lighting, thermal conditions;
• Cost - capital, installation, maintenance, operation.
A weather station located at each property to associate monitored data directly with external conditions. Case Study SOLCER, Wales Convergence Areas – 2014-2015
GB-Sol – low cost PV panels, bespoke PV panels, mounting systems and PV accessories 