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Electric boilers - effect on power demand of a block of flats

Hello there.


I would like to  know if anyone on the forum has done a study of or knows about an existing study of the impact on power demand of introducing electric boilers to block of flats. 


I have been tasked with estimating the impact of a gradual migration to electric boilers for central and water heating in a modern block of flats. Nearly all of the flats currently use gas fired combi boilers.


I then have to present this information to UK Power Networks so that they can asses whether or not an increase in capacity to the building supply might be needed in future.  Finally I need to put any recommendations to the owners' management board.


Clearly electric boilers will have some impact on power demand.


I can start with an estimate of current power demand (worst case) for a typical flat.  To that end, I'll be doing a survey of about 25% of the flats to come up with a figure.


I can then apply the IET Electrical Installation Design Guide diversity calculations for a typical flat and then the building as a whole using figure 3.4 (IET Electrical Design Guide Nov 2008 page 33).


I can then do a second power consumption exercise adding the demand of a typical electric boiler per flat and then the whole building.


However, it's not clear to me if this approach will be suitable for a massive migration to electric boilers.  I need to be sure of my ground if I approach UK Power Networks with a demand figure.


If we look at the usual peak use of heating demand (morning and evening) a building full of electric boilers, to me, could add a significant load to existing street fuses and possibly even cable capacity.


I would be grateful for any suggestions and experience people could bring.


Kind regards


donf










Parents

  • Posted by Chris Pearson on Feb 27, 2020 5:38 pm



    It's an interesting question because at some stage gas boilers will become a thing of the past.


    True, but right now, one of the biggest users of gas is burning it to generate electricity.  Yes an electric heater  is 100% efficient. But then a modern boiler is pretty good,  our 15 year old 22kW one puts out something about the warmth of a horse breathing on your hand.

    The gas turbine power station is perhaps 50% efficient from gas to electricity, and then there is distribution, transmission etc. There is  a very good reason gas is 30% of the price of leccy per kW.

    Also while better insulated housing will help, I reckon 3/4 of the  buildings we will inhabit by 2050, the zero carbon date, are already built. We will have a slightly titivated version of what we have now, unless there is a massive housing demolition campaign, and if there is, then questions about existing boilers will be moot.




Reply

  • Posted by Chris Pearson on Feb 27, 2020 5:38 pm



    It's an interesting question because at some stage gas boilers will become a thing of the past.


    True, but right now, one of the biggest users of gas is burning it to generate electricity.  Yes an electric heater  is 100% efficient. But then a modern boiler is pretty good,  our 15 year old 22kW one puts out something about the warmth of a horse breathing on your hand.

    The gas turbine power station is perhaps 50% efficient from gas to electricity, and then there is distribution, transmission etc. There is  a very good reason gas is 30% of the price of leccy per kW.

    Also while better insulated housing will help, I reckon 3/4 of the  buildings we will inhabit by 2050, the zero carbon date, are already built. We will have a slightly titivated version of what we have now, unless there is a massive housing demolition campaign, and if there is, then questions about existing boilers will be moot.




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