As previously discussed, in order for these data to be useful to technology developers, it needed to be presented in a different format to that shown above.
The requirements and specifications suggested from this research should enable the technology developer to design solutions that place the user as a central point. They aim to reduce energy usage through technological advances rather than by trying to
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induce different behaviours through design. This ‘functionality matching’ approach (Wever,R., Van Kuijk, J. & Boks, 2008) focuses on making the ‘right product’ instead of ‘making the product right’. Whilst Wever et al (2008) suggest that neither approach is wrong, it depends on the specific product being designed and the context of its use. Gause & Weinberg (1989) also highlighted the need to not only specify what people need, but also the necessity of understanding what people desire, as this will fuel what they buy.
50% of the householders expressed concern at not being able to use their radiators to assist in drying laundry due to lower heating temperatures. It should therefore be possible for the householder to be able to control the temperature of radiators.
They should be informed of the most efficient temperature to use on installation and the default setting should reflect this, but that they should be able to change it.
Radiators should also be individually controlled so that a small number can be used for drying clothes whilst the rest can be kept at a lower temperature.
The issue of houses which fail to reach the preferred temperature is likely to be a problem found particularly within solid wall properties, where draughts and lower levels of insulation make it difficult for the properties to retain heat. Unless the heat pump is installed as part of a suite of measures, it is unlikely to produce a better result. Although the current iteration of the heat pump is aiming to be ‘as quick’ as current boilers, if the heat pump is to succeed within a competitive market, future iterations may need to be better than standard boilers, which is likely to include more instantaneous heat production.
From the interviews, 55% of householders were happy with the idea of having their heating on a constant low setting. As there was a fairly even divide in opinion on this matter, it is important that the heat pump allows for the use of different patterns of heating, however, it is important that the householders are informed as to the most efficient way to use the technology.
Table 18 takes the data discussed in the sections above and demonstrates how this information is translated in the requirement tree and then into specifications.
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Table 18: Translation of qualitative data into user requirements
Questions asked to householders
Householder’s response
Implications for the heat pump design and requirements
The answers and concerns raised by householders fed into a number of specifications. Notably:
The heat pump can be installed in a variety of locations
The heat pump does not remove significant leisure space from outside
The heat pump should be available as a split system (where some of the heat pump is located inside the house)
Different finishes and covers could be available for the heat pump
The heat pump does not detract from surroundings/ rest of garden
The large number of households with a combination boiler provides a difficulty when installing the current design of heat pump as they require a hot water tank. It is therefore suggested that there are future iterations of the heat pump which operate on a combination system, with hot water on demand (providing this can be produced efficiently). The specification influenced by these results is:
The heat pump should be available as a combination system. were concerned at the thought of not being able to use the radiators to dry their laundry. It is therefore suggested that the radiator temperatures can be changed individually. The specifications influenced by these results are:
The heat pump should be able to supply radiators to perform at high temperatures.
The heat pump must be able to work with Thermostatic Radiators Valves.
Chapter 6: Informing the design of energy saving technologies
Currently, the heat pump developers are working on the premise that the heat pump will not work more quickly than current boilers, however, it is believed that in order to meet future demands and for the heat pump to be competitive within the boiler market, that they will need to become quicker in future iterations. Therefore the following specification was suggested:
The heat pump should produce heating and hot water more quickly
A large percentage of householders were unhappy about the concept of having their heating on low and constant, even when told this would be the most efficient way of heating their home. Therefore it is suggested that the heat pump is capable of different ways of heating. The householder should however, always be informed of the most efficient way of using the heat pump. Therefore the following specification is suggested:
The heat pump can be used in different heating patterns.