• Product Characteristics Database (PCDB)
  • SAP Appendix Q database

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Product data is held in either the Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) or the SAP Appendix Q database in support of the National Calculation Methodologies for Energy Rating Dwellings (SAP and RdSAP).

Product data will be used in preference to any default value to determine the energy performance of the dwelling, providing the product is installed in the dwelling being assessed and can be recognised and identified by the Dwelling Assessor. Acceptance of product data as an input to the NCMs does not denote any form of endorsement, nor does it imply that the dwelling’s energy performance rating is better than that obtained using alternative products.

Data held in the SAP Appendix Q database cannot currently be used in RdSAP assessments, which is a simplified version of the SAP assessment developed for assessing existing dwellings. Product performance data held in the SAP Appendix Q database will generally migrate to the PCDB when a new version of SAP/RdSAP is released, enabling RdSAP assessors to access this data.

The Appendix Q database and PCDB are provided solely to support the NCMs; they are not intended to support the marketing efforts of manufacturers.

The table below defines technology types that can be input into SAP calculations via the Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) or Appendix Q database. For RdSAP calculations, technology types can only be input via the PCDB, the Appendix Q database is not applicable. Well established technologies are implemented within SAP software.

 

Technology types listed within the SAP Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) and Appendix Q database


Technology Type

Technology type in Product Characteristics Database

Technology type in Appendix Q database

Compensating boiler controls

Yes, from SAP 2012 only

No

Time and temperature zone controls

Yes, from SAP 2012 only

No

Gas, oil and solid fuel boilers

Yes

No

Flue gas heat recovery systems

Yes

Yes, for use with SAP 2005 only

Heat pumps

Yes

Yes, for use with SAP 2005 only

Mechanical ventilation Yes Yes, for use with SAP 2005 only
Semi-rigid duct Yes Yes, for use with SAP 2009 only

Micro-CHP

Yes

No

High heat retention storage heaters

Yes, from SAP 2012 only

No

Warm-air heating unit

Yes, from SAP 2012 only

No

Waste water heat recovery systems

Yes

Yes, for use with SAP 2005 only

Community heat network

Yes, from SAP 2012 only

No

Solar Preheat Positive Input Ventilation

No

Yes, for use with SAP 2009 and 2012 only

Dynamic Insulation

No

Yes, for use with SAP 2009 and 2012 only

Solar Assisted Heat Pump Yes (for certain operation modes), for use with SAP 2009 and 2012 only Yes (for certain operation modes), for use with SAP 2009 and 2012 only