Underfloor insulation-laying robots increase energy efficiency
In Northern Europe, the biggest cause of energy loss in older buildings is inadequate thermal insulation, often hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. One of the most effective ways of preventing energy loss is through underfloor insulation. However, traditional methods often prove expensive, disruptive to occupiers and can be hazardous to installers. The EU-funded Q-Bot project has developed a small robotic device which can remotely apply underfloor insulation, reducing cost, disruption and risk while increasing energy-efficiency. The Q-Bot solution has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of Europe's least efficient buildings by as much as 25 %, while reducing installation costs by between 50 and 75 %. The EU-funded project has designed and manufactured a demonstrator device that has already delivered floor insulation to 120 homes in the UK and France. Access, survey, insulate then validate The Q-Bot accesses underfloor spaces through a small opening and then insulates the underside of suspended timber floors. Controlled with a gamepad and augmented with a video feed and sensors, the robot generates a detailed 3D map of the underfloor space and infrastructure, enabling the operator to make risk-aware installation decisions. The polyurethane (PU) foam insulation containing a fire-retardant and certified specifically for this application by the BBA (British Board of Agrément), is spray-applied to the underside of the floorboards and expands to fill the gaps. This method has the advantage of expanding to fit the shape of the floor, leaving no gaps for draughts. Additionally, as the insulation is placed below the floor, an air vent is left for ventilation between the insulation and the ground beneath, meaning that ground moisture can escape, reducing damp and mould. The final part of the process is continuous monitoring, and with measurement of the insulation’s thickness, it allows the team to verify that the work has been completed satisfactorily as well as calculate accurate energy savings. As Product Manager, Ms Maddy Clifford, summarises, “The feedback from residents and customers has indicated a significant improvement in comfort and value for money, alongside appreciation of a non-disruptive installation. The results show on average a one third improvement in property airtightness and a 78 % reduction in the calculated heat loss through the floor. Q-Bot has saved an average of 15 % of the energy required to heat the property and up to 350 euros per year in energy bills.” Energy savings that benefit people and the environment Q-Bot will contribute to the EU Low Carbon Economy Roadmap to 2050, specifically the targets of 20 % improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 and 30 % by 2030, as well as cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % by 2020 and 40 % by 2030. As Ms Clifford, says, “Thanks to its innovative technology, Q-Bot is able to save each home approximately 35,000 kWh per year in heat, and 1,200 kilogrammes per year of CO2 emissions. For the homes already installed as part of the project, this equates to approximately 4,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved over the 40-year lifetime of the insulation. By targeting fuel-poor homes Q-Bot could save over EUR 8 million per year of spending from society’s poorest as well as improving their comfort and well-being.” With Q-Bot robots now ready to be launched into the market, the project will also contribute towards the EU strategy for sustainable, competitive and affordable energy for every European. The team are initially targeting social housing providers in the UK and France. Additionally, roll-out involves the creation and training of local networks of installers, rather than transporting teams of contractors to complete the work, keeping the benefits of housing stock investment within the local community and economy.
Keywords
Q-Bot, Energy, insulation, affordability, robot, polyurethane, underfloor, 3D, Low carbon economy, airtight, heat loss
