Renewable Energy Options in Ireland

MSc. Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies University College Dublin, Ireland

BSEN40330 Energy Systems and Sustainable Environment Assignment 2: Improving the Energy Profile of a Domestic Dwelling Using Renewable Energy Systems

Name: Aisling Ni Cheallaigh Student ID: 06452825 Date: 11/11/2010

Table of Contents
1 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2 Renewable Energy Systems ............................................................................................................ 3 2.1 2.2 3 Renewable Energy Options in Ireland ..................................................................................... 3 Renewable Energy Grants ....................................................................................................... 4

Improving the Energy Profile of a Domestic Dwelling using Renewable Energy Systems .............. 5 3.1 Scenario 1: Installing a Heat Pump in a Domestic Dwelling.................................................... 5 Types of Heat Pumps ...................................................................................................... 5 How Heat Pumps Work ................................................................................................... 6 Benefits of Heat Pumps................................................................................................... 7 Cost Savings of a Heat Pump versus an Oil Burner ......................................................... 7

3.1.1 3.1.2 3.1.3 3.1.4 3.2

Scenario 2: Installing a Solar Thermal System ........................................................................ 9 Types of Solar Panel Heating System .............................................................................. 9 How a Solar Panel Water Heating System Works ......................................................... 10 Benefits of Installing Solar Panels...