Investigation into infrastructure and operational requirements for microwave low carbon heating systems

Academic Institution: University of Edinburgh

Academic Supervisor: Professor Sean Smith

Industry Partner: Heat Wayv (WT IP Ltd)

Phd Student: currently recruiting

Start Date:

Abstract

The development and installation requirements for low carbon heating systems for net zero delivery in housing and non-domestic buildings is currently impeded by limitations of existing technologies, the significant infrastructure adaptation required and available installation workforce. Some existing low carbon heating system technologies can take typically over 3-4 days to install per home and upgrading to infrastructure can take even longer per dwelling unit which would lead to Scotland’s 2.7 million homes not achieving net zero till 2065 (with a policy target of 2045).

This project investigates the application of microwave heating systems for housing and small non-domestic buildings (heating and hot water) and the integration within existing infrastructures. Early concept designs indicate the system has the potential to ‘plug and play’ with existing infrastructures with minor adaptations, thus underpinning a potential future significant acceleration in installation and deployment (4 times faster than existing technologies). In addition, many existing systems require prior upgrade of fabric improvement before deployment, which the microwave heating system can be undertaken before or after fabric, thus reducing delay or sequence impacts. The technology has been developed by Wave Tech (UK based) and early prototype trials are planned in Scotland for early 2023 and 2024 which will be integrated to the SRPe PhD studentship. The project will combine energy consumption analysis and also investigate infrastructure synergies and adaptation needs to investigate the potential for future rapid uptake. Parametric studies and energy output comparisons will be undertaken versus other technologies.

Outcomes and impacts from the project aim to 1) identify the energy and carbon reduction potential of the innovative heating systems, 2) assess the infrastructure alignment and adaptations required to support accelerated deployment, 3) skills analysis for future upskilling needs for Scotland’s workforce.