GEO360 Energy Management Control
Grant has developed the GEO360 which helps conserve energy within the home. By using a weather compensation controller, the room air temperature of the property can be sensibly maintained at a constant level. The GEO360 is an ideal control system that can be incorporated into the pipework arrangement on a new or updated heating system, and is especially effective on systems of 26kW and above, but can be used on systems below this rating if required.
There are two models available: The GEO360/28 has 28mm compression fittings and is suitable for systems up to 36kW. If required, a reducing set (28mm to 22mm) should be used for systems under 21kW. The GE0360/35 has 35mm compression fittings and is suitable for systems from 36kW to 70kW.
How most heating systems work…
When air temperatures in the house fall below the setting on the room thermostat, a signal is sent for the boiler to fire and warm the house. Unfortunately a disadvantage of this simple arrangement is that the thermostat only tells the boiler to turn on or off when the house is too cold or too hot, respectively. Some systems are even installed without a room thermostat (boiler interlock), relying solely on individual thermostatic radiator valves. In either case no consideration is given to maintaining the correct flow and return temperatures that enable a boiler to operate in condensing mode; or to any external temperature fluctuations. Looking at it another way, how many miles per gallon would a car get if the only method of controlling speed was to accelerate until it is going too fast and then apply the brakes? That is exactly how most heating systems work.
How heating systems should work…
Boiler flow and Return temperatures should be monitored and controlled, and the system must be able to react promptly to internal and external air temperature changes. Using the car analogy, an accelerator pedal is adjusted carefully to maintain a comfortable driving speed and good fuel economy. Why not the same with a domestic heating system?
By installing a GEO360, the water temperature in the heating system is constantly measured to maintain comfort and improve efficiency.
Simple technology
The GEO360 comprises of a controller, two pipe thermostats together with an internal and external air sensor, coupled to a 4-Port mixing valve. With the information retrieved through the outdoor air sensor (fitted on a north facing wall) the unit can adjust system water temperature to match a heat output closer to the needs of the home. In fact, the system will adapt before it even feels too cold or too hot. In periods of warm weather the GEO360 will automatically shut the system down until it is needed again.
The GEO360 monitors weather conditions throughout the year regardless of the season. Without the control unit, a heating system does not know if it is a cool autumn night or the coldest winter day. Therefore it works as if it was always the coldest day of the year and heats the water to a maximum temperature.
The diagrams show how the GEO360 adapts a heating system to the changing seasons:
How much fuel will I save?
Weather compensating controls are not a new concept. Most are generally found in commercial applications, such as office buildings, factories, etc. The GEO360 has been developed to make this technology affordable for the domestic market.
Savings depend on many factors, however when fitted on a standard oil or gas system, a fuel reduction in the region of 10-15% per annum should be achievable, and in many cases this will be higher, so payback could be within three years!
