Wandsworth, London -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/19/2015 -- Leading UK supplier of fireplaces and stoves, Stonewoods LTD, have recently commented on a study at Alkane Energy's control centre situated at the abandoned Markham Colliery in Derbyshire which suggest that disused mines could potentially work as an additional source of heat for the UK.
The study reveals that disused mines could help provide renewable energy for tens of thousands of residents within the UK, thanks to the ground source heat pump (GSHP) which can extract heat from lukewarm water within these mines.
The way the pilot project works is by pumping water from a mineshaft to the surface, and a heat exchanger then extracts any thermal energy. The pump helps produce a higher temperature than the water available in the mine, thanks to the ability to condense energy and circulate it through a separate heating system. This method has managed to heat an industrial building owned by Alkane Energy, to show just how effective this method is. The renewable aspect comes from returning the groundwater back into the mine, so it can be heated once more.
The researchers have determined that mines within the area could potentially heat approximately 45,000 homes, with the GSHP able to provide 433% more energy than a standard boiler. Plans are also in the works to have the GSHP powered by wind or solar power, which would make for a 100% completely renewable method.
Author of the study, Amin Al-Habaibeh, said, 'In a way we may never have previously envisaged, coalmines could once again be used to provide warmth to thousands of homes across the UK.
Often commenting on industry news, a spokesperson for Stonewoods LTD said, 'This discovery could be of huge benefit to the UK, and it will allow more people to stay warmer when winter arrives, if they implement it that is. Tests for renewable sources are always undergoing, and it will help make for a warmer, more reliable future as fossil fuels die out. We hope this study will come to fruition in the near future.
About Stonewoods LTD
At Stonewoods LTD, we have a range of fireplaces and stoves which could make use of this new discovery if it's taken further, meaning you can have a great looking living room centre piece, with the benefits of future heat sources!'
To view the full range of fireplaces, stoves, and services offered at Stonewoods LTD, visit http://www.stonewoods.co.uk today.
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Company name: Stonewoods Ltd
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Website: http://www.stonewoods.co.uk
Contact person: Chris Tolfree
Email: carol@stonewoods.co.uk
Address: Former All Saints Church
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