Product Characteristics Database PCDB
The Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) is a support tool used for the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) along with SAP Appendix Q database, both are provide by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Both list the performance data for a wide range of different products including: boilers, heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, micro CHPs, flue gas recovery systems, waste water recovery systems, compensating boiler controls and TTZZ, high heat retention storage units, community heat networks and heat interface units.
The product performance database holds detailed performance information including seasonal efficiency of boilers or the performance of heat pumps. SAP software automatically downloads and uses the data from the PCDB to perform energy assessments. Product manufacturers submit their products and data to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for inclusion in the database, ensuring the data is accurate and validated. For new technologies not yet in the PCDB, data is initially held in the SAP Appendix Q database, which is then migrated to the PCDB when a new SAP version is released. The PCDB and SAP Appendix Q also support other energy efficiency initiatives, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
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