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Review of DBO trial test data

 

Scope

This document shows the results of a review of the data and calculation methodology presented for the proposed demonstration action – cost savings and thermal comfort with the domestic boiler optimiser. A trial system along with monitoring equipment has been installed in a property. 

 

 

Product

The product consists of an optimiser that is connected to the boiler via the boiler call signal, using this signal to extend the cooling portion of the boiler cycle. The optimiser sends its results via the Internet to an external Web Server running the ReadMyMeter software package. Additional monitoring equipment monitors the internal and external temperature using a Ubibot WS1 logger, that uses Internet connection to log the results every five minutes on an extranl Web Server. The Gas consumption is recorded by a Smart Gas Meter provided by the Energy Supplier Octopus Energy and data is stored every 30 minutes on the Octopus Energy Web Site.

 

The device and technology deliver savings by optimising the burning cycles using cooling curves. The Domestic Boiler Optimiser (DBO) reduces firing cycles within a boiler at source (firing temperatures at 70-80 degrees C). In turn this reduces the overall burn time resulting in a saving at the boiler source. Effectively the DBO is optimising the heating cooling cycle of the boiler at source to provide energy savings.  

 

 

Calculation methodology

The calculation methodology is simple and demonstrates that savings can be achieved. The monitoring equipment is used to measure the time the boiler burns when in and out of circuit. The boiler burns for a longer period when the unit is not installed resulting in a longer burn time compared to when the unit is on. The percentage difference between the time the boiler burns for in and out of circuit is the resulted savings.  

 

 

Main conclusions

  • The raw data presented has been extracted directly from the source ReadMyMeter. Meter readings from Octopus Energy are reported in half hourly m3
  • The data presented for the weather and internal monitoring data shows internal temperatures are not affected concluding no effect on comfort levels. Furthermore the savings are derived at the source (burn cycle 70-80 degrees C) rather than at desired comfort temperatures.
  • Using the proposed methodology, the test results from 24 October 2019 to 4 February 2020 show that the average savings are practically the same as the gas readings. Concluding that the running average since the summer is valid.
  • The DBO has demonstrated that it is optimising the heating cooling cycle of the boiler at source to provide energy savings for the days monitored in the trial property. 

 

 

Expertise and credentials

Dr Chandni Patel has extensive analytical and technical skills developed throughout her career with a PhD in Chemical Engineering focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy production. Dr Patel has published several peer reviewed articles and can be called upon to assess and examine thesis in Chemical Engineering. Dr Patel managed the innovation schemes at OFGEM. She also has several years of experience in assessing, analysing and approving demonstration actions in CERT and CESP as well as contributed to the policy development of ECO. This work involved working with the BRE approving the trials prior to them commencing and assessing and approving the results and conclusions of the trials to develop scores for the scheme.

Author: Dr Chandni Patel

Last updated on May 19, 2021, 4:17 pm