The world’s smallest ground source heat pump, manufactured in Cornwall by Truro-based Kensa Engineering, is set to transform the adoption of renewable heat technology in the UK, following its acknowledgement by industry as the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ at the National Heat Pump Awards.
Kensa Engineering, established in 1999, designs and manufactures ground source heat pumps from its premises on the former Mount Wellington Mine site in Bissoe. Kensa’s latest innovation is the smallest and quietest ground source heat pump ever invented, and offers a compelling alternative to traditional gas boiler installations. The Shoebox Heat Pump, so-named due to its diminutive size and design, extracts and condenses heat energy stored in the ground to provide heating and hot water to apartments and smaller new build properties, all from its location in the property’s under-sink kitchen cabinet.
Renewable heat technologies are becoming increasingly popular, in part helped by the Government’s drive to increase their installation through grant schemes such as the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme (RHPP), and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Uniquely, the Shoebox Heat Pump allows domestic installations to benefit from the higher RHI tariff intended for commercial applications, due to its ability to create a ‘communal’ system.
As a Cornish manufacturer, recently confirmed as the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of ground source heat pumps, Kensa Engineering is helping to support the county’s ambitious sustainable future plans.
Simon Lomax, Managing Director of Kensa Engineering comments: “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.”
According to Stephanie Rees, Marketing Manager: “Kensa is delighted to win this award. 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 on the 16th May 2013.
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