Heat pump systems can be extremely energy and cost efficient and offer a low carbon alternative to more traditional heating systems.

The University of Exeter leads the way in heat pump design training

UK heat pump targets will become more achievable with the development of an exciting new course by the University of Exeter in response to a national scarcity of suitable qualifications at this level.

As the UK strives to meet its carbon net zero targets, there is an increased focus on renewable energy alternatives to heating our homes and businesses. The government Renewable Heat Incentive and more recent Green Homes Grant aim to make the switch from fossil fuels affordable for more people. 

Despite this, there is no clear qualification or training route to a career as a Heat Pump Systems Designer and there is a distinct absence of suitable training at the level of systems design. Heat pump systems can be extremely energy and cost efficient and offer a low carbon alternative to more traditional heating systems. However, they need to be effectively designed, taking into account a range of factors specific to an individual property and there is little margin for error.  

As a result, accessing the right training is absolutely key. Experts from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus have been collaborating with local businesses and national stakeholders to develop a course which meets the needs of the sector.

Dr Richard Cochrane, who developed the course said, “This course runs through the full design of a heat pump system to ensure the designs are optimised for different buildings and heat pump configurations. As well as understanding how the heat pump works, participants will learn how the pump is integrated with the heat source and different heat distribution systems. This will ensure designs are delivering the maximum carbon benefit while minimising capital cost.”

Course content is now ready to pilot and we are looking for businesses to join us on our pilot course, which will run online between January and March 2021. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the industry.  

The course is being developed through the Innovation in Higher Level Skills project, which is receiving up to £1.97 million of funding from the European Social Fund programme. 

For more information and to register your interest, please contact Project Support Officer, Danielle Farrow d.m.farrow@exeter.ac.uk, or visit https://bit.ly/ihls_hpsystems.  

Date: 11 December 2020