Shoebox Heat Pump polishes up at industry awards

The unique strengths of Kensa Engineering’s innovative Shoebox Heat Pump are being recognised with numerous awards including the coveted title of ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ at the National Heat Pump Awards 2013.

An ultra small and ultra quiet heat pump, the Shoebox provides a compelling alternative to traditional gas boiler installations in apartments and smaller new build houses.  

Developed and manufactured by the UK’s market-leading ground source heat pump manufacturer, Kensa Engineering, a Shoebox heat pump is typically installed within a property’s under-sink kitchen cabinet and provides all the dwelling’s space heating and hot water requirements.  Most importantly, the recommended Shoebox system architecture features a communal ground array which satisfies the requirements of a district heating system allowing installations to benefit from Phase One of the RHI.  

Simon Lomax, Managing Director of Kensa engineering comments: "It is virtually certain that new build housing will be excluded from the domestic phase of the RHI so we wanted to launch a system that could attract support through the existing Phase One; this was the driver for the communal ground array design.  

"Of course, such a design means it is no longer necessary to provide an individual borehole for each dwelling: instead, a smaller number of deeper holes are drilled which reduces overall installation costs.  RHI payments are awarded to the social landlord or, in the case of private sector apartment blocks, the management company.  

"Given DECC’s decision to increase the RHI Phase One GSHP tariffs, there is an attractive rate of return.  Alternatively, Kensa can provide funding solutions.

“Unlike air source heat pumps which must secure permitted development rights or planning permission, ground source heat pumps can be routinely installed.  They also deliver the lowest possible running costs of any renewable heating system which means that developers can secure premium prices from purchasers seeking low energy cost homes.”

According to Stephanie Rees, Marketing Manager: “Awards can play a significant part in elevating our reputation and market presence, and as the only UK manufacturer and current market leader of ground source heat pumps, we hope to continue to use these accolades to promote interest in our products.”

The Shoebox was announced the winner of its category at the National Heat Pump Awards held in the International Conference Centre in Birmingham.