What is a heat pump?
A heat pump extracts heat from outside air, the ground or water and uses electricity to raise it to a higher temperature to heat a home. Types, COP and SCOP, and planning tips.
What is a heat network (district heating)?
A heat network is a system of insulated pipes carrying heat from a central source to homes and buildings. Heat sources, temperature levels, costs and what residents should check.
What is combined heat and power (CHP)?
Combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, is producing electricity and useful heat at the same time in one installation. How it works, uses from micro-CHP to CHP plants, and pros and cons.
What is thermal conductivity (lambda value)?
Thermal conductivity (lambda, λ) indicates how well a material conducts heat, in W/(m·K). The lower the lambda value, the better the material insulates. With typical values and a worked example.
What is heat capacity?
Heat capacity is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a material or building element by one degree. Explanation of specific heat, thermal mass and what it means for comfort.
What is aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES)?
Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES, Dutch: WKO) stores heat in summer and cold in winter in groundwater, to heat and cool buildings with a heat pump. How it works, open and closed systems, and rules.
What is hot-rolled steel?
Hot-rolled steel is rolled at high temperature into sections, plates and flats such as universal beams, columns and channels. Properties, difference from cold-formed steel and practical tips.
What is a warm roof?
A warm roof is a roof in which the insulation sits above the structural deck, with a vapour control layer on the warm side. Build-up, difference from a cold roof and practical tips.
What is reinforcing tape (joint tape)?
Reinforcing tape is a narrow strip of paper, glass fleece or mesh that reinforces joints and corners between boards so the jointing compound does not crack. Also used over movement joints.
What is wane in timber?
Wane is the rounded original surface of the log (sometimes with bark) left on the edge of sawn timber. What it means for strength, grading and use.