Heat generator

According to the Non-domestic building services compliance guide, 2013 edition, published by HM Government, the term ‘heat generator’ refers to ‘…a device for converting fuel or electricity into heat – e.g. a boiler or radiant heater.’

Commonly used heat generators include:

• Gas, solid fuel or oil boilers.
• Solid fuel burners.
• Combined heat and power (CHP) plant.
• Direct electrical heaters .
• Direct gas heaters.
• Heat pumps.

For more information see: Building heating systems.

Heat generator efficiency is the ‘…useful fuel heat output divided by the energy input in the fuel (based on gross calorific value) or electricity delivered to the heat generator, as determined by the appropriate test methods for that type of heat generator.

Heat generator seasonal efficiency is ‘…the estimated seasonal heat output from the heat generator divided by the energy input. This will depend on the heat generator efficiency and the operating mode of the heat generator over the heating season. For example, in the case of boilers it is a ‘weighted’ average of the efficiencies of the boiler at 30% and 100% of the boiler output. For other technologies the heat generator seasonal efficiency may be the same as the heat generator efficiency.’

'Heat efficiency credits are awarded for the provision of additional measures, such as additional controls, that raise the energy efficiency of the system and go beyond recommended minimum standards. Different credits apply to the different measures that are available for heating and hot water technologies.’

'Effective heat generator seasonal efficiency is obtained by adding heating efficiency credits, where applicable to the heat generator seasonal efficiency:

See also: Heating appliance.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Building services compliance with the building regulations.
• Building services.
• Condensing boiler.
• Corrosion in heating and cooling systems.
• Domestic building services compliance guide.
• Gross calorific value.
• Heat pump.
• Heat recovery.
• Heat transfer.
• Heating.
• Heating appliance.
• Non-domestic building services compliance guide.
• Radiant heater seasonal efficiency
• Radiant heating.
• Space heating system.
• Thermal comfort.
• Underfloor heating.