SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Thermal Springs

There are 4 thermal springs emerging at 29 degrees C. In 2000 we drilled a new bore near the existing springs and found a large source of thermal water at 34.5C. We plan to use this important source of heat for a therapeutic thermal centre, under floor heating all using a heat pump in the boiler room.

Practical and Economically viable solar istallation

An installation of 66, 2.2 square metre hot water solar panels was completed in 1997 and has been in continuous use since. The 12,000 litre accumulation tanks are glass-lined, for maximum corrosion resistance and the installation is designed for an economic life of 25 years. It should provide between 25% and 40% of the heat requirement of the whole building complex. s4000 litres of the capacity is for preheating hot water for kitchens and bathrooms.

Solar central heating

Hot water from separate accumulation tanks provides water at 40 degrees C for under-floor heating. Long wave-length radiation from the ceramic floor tiles is particularly effective in warming the body. The low temperature required and the heat storage effect of the floors makes the system ideal for solar central heating, which will be used throughout the ground floor of the main building. Heating is needed 8 months of the year.

Swimming pool heating

The excess heat from the solar panels goes to the outdoor swimming pool which keeps it at 23 degrees C . Thermal water at 34ºC from the new borehole can now be pumped to the pool at the rate of 7500 litres per hour which raises the water temperature to 30 degrees C.



Solar Heat use in the bio-vegetable garden

We have a short growing season with fiercely contrasting day and night temperatures. There is a greenhouse on the earthed flat roof of the room housing the accumulation tanks and boiler. Warm air rises to it and the boiler flue gases supply carbon dioxide, moisture and warmth to accelerate planted growth and provide protection from frosts.