In message , Nightjar
writes
On 09/04/2014 23:13, polygonum wrote:
On 09/04/2014 23:07, Nightjar wrote:
On 09/04/2014 23:00, Tim Streater wrote:
...
In 1952 aged about 6 I read my brother's school prize (he was 16). It
was a book with a series of interesting essays or stories for boys. One
was about the Norwich Heat Pump, about which I've never since seen a
reference....

Installed in 1945 by the city electrical engineer, John Sumner, as the
heating system for the Norwich City Council Electrical Department Duke
Street premises. He later built a dozen heat pumps for Lord Nuffield and
one to heat the Royal Festival Hall, using two-stage compressors based
upon Merlin engines and the Thames as the ground source. Unfortunately,
the RFH system produced too much heat and hot water came out of the taps
at 82C.


If I wished to follow that plan of extracting heat from a river, would I
need to seek permission? I am assuming that I own the land through which
the river (I guess more likely a tiny stream if I am lucky!) flows so no
issues of access.


That would depend upon whether or not the Environment Agency decides
that your use affects the rights of others on the same river to the
water in its natural quantity and quality. I suspect they would.

Just so. You would do better with a bigger stream such that your impact
on water temperature is within their limits. Of course burying the old
domestic radiator in the stream bed may well go unnoticed:-)

Taking water out and returning does not really work as beyond 20 cu.m
extract and 10cu.m return they want money!

--
Tim Lamb