Energy Carbon FLEECE
Innovation overview and development
An overview of the sustainable innovation
Low energy carbon heating film engineered from recycled carbon fibre with an embodied CO2 of just 0.158gms per m.
The film is just 0.4mm thick and is bedded into ceiling finishes using Multi Finish plaster. The films are powered via a 36v transformer and, although they only reach an operating temperature of around 35° the far infrared light wave is able to warm floors, walls and contents up to 28° which in turn raise the air temp.
This technology reduces energy costs by 30% as compared to other electrical heating systems and, because it doesn’t directly warm the air, uses up to 3 times the energy of any other system – including heat pumps.
The system is managed by AI driven smart controllers over multiple zones around a building, giving the occupant full control of comfort and energy costs.
The kit is installed by standard trades – plasterers and electricians with just 1 days training through one of our colleges around the UK or online.
How the innovation was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team
Initially designed by Stuttgart University, our materials were designed to address the growing level of waste carbon fibre that was going to landfill. The base product is made in Germany and we hold the exclusive UK rights to develop further uses and for deployment.
The use of new technologies, processes products or techniques or novel uses of existing ones
Our collaboration has resulted developing our core FLEECE product further with several new product categories being developed including damp/mould solutions, a drylining solution, suspended ceilings, industrial panels and a high temp (300°) variant for Autoclave curing. These all provide low energy heat directly to the source and can be used in most types of property applications from residential properties, industrial warehouses and even in boats and caravans.
How does the innovation provide a more environmentally friendly approach for the industry
Our heating products are designed to integrate into the final finish and fabric of the building using Multi Finish plaster or cement. They have no moving parts and have been developed to operate at a very low temperature, despite being able to heat a property up to 28°. This means that there are no maintenance requirements and that the product can be assured to operate with a design life of over 50 years.
Being manufactured from recycled materials, it also has an embodied carbon value of only 0.1578gms per linear meter resulting in a typical home only being impacted by around 2kg of CO2. EPD’s are currently being produced and are expected in early 2024
Additionally, the product uses very little energy and can be directly connected to renewable sources, eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
How does the innovation provide an improvement in social value
We have established an accredited training course. Currently available through United Colleges Group in London and soon to be picked up by NPTC for Wales before being rolled out across the UK via the NOCN SiteRight platform. We are also working with a number of 6th form and Technical colleges to provide training for children wanting to learn more about the ‘Green’ sector.
Additionally, we have designed a comfort module for the care sector bringing individual climate control to residents rooms and allowing a more healthy occupancy and reducing cross contamination from virus. This may develop at a later date into a wellness app.
How does this innovation influence future specifications to improve sustainability
Currently the UK are looking at alternatives to heat pumps as the roll out becomes increasingly difficult, particularly in smaller properties, flats and homes that are difficult to insulate. Our infrared products are currently being trialed by a number of major house builders and housing associations as well as by DESNEZ with a view to bridging that gap.