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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 |