There is no such thing as an unbiased independent expert and Innovate UK uses assessors that they are working with and know. Almost all of the grants in this field goes to Air Source Heat Pump Projects providing gainful employment of Air Source Heat Pump Engineers. In the past our grant applications have been scored by air source heat pump engineers.

In each and every question the answer I gave failed to reach the qualifying score of 86.2% . Assessor number 3 was Kafkaesque in that I was marked down for not answering questions that were never asked.

COMMENT FROM INNOVATE UK

We received 156 submitted applications for this competition and 155 were sent for assessment.

The lowest funded project in this competition scored 86.2% and the highest scored 93.3%. With the funding we have available, we were able to fund 9 projects.

As feedback is supplied by independent assessors, we cannot discuss their comments..

**********************************************************************************************************

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO PRINT OFF THE ASSESSOR SCORING GUIDE FOR THIS COMPETITION.

ASSESSOR SCOURING GUIDE

START OF QUESTION 5

QUESTION 5: How does the project meet the challenge described in the competition scope?

“The aim of the competition is to conduct extended field trials to evaluate and enhance any emerging technological solution focused on helping Local Authorities in the UK meet their net zero ambitions.”

Assessor Summary and Score
The proposal somewhat explains how the idea and existing pre-commercial technology will meet the challenge or challenges identified in the competition scope, but further detail is required to give full confidence. (Score 83%)

My Comment
One assessor wrote “The proposal clearly articulates the challenge and provides a compelling narrative supported by evidence and estimates. The proposed is a very good fit for the challenges identified in the competition call.” All 3 assessors gave glowing comments and rightly so but the summary does not reflect the individual comments and with a pass mark of 86.3% needed 83% is a FAIL

WHAT I WROTE:

As of 2023-24, the council’s housing stock consisted of 14,211 properties, with 7,392 flats and maisonettes, 5,880 houses, 867 bungalows, 70 bedsits, and 2 cluster units.

Phil Hunt, the Environmental Strategy Manager at Norwich City Council , is actively seeking solutions which decarbonises his housing stock. In a typical household, heating water accounts for roughly 12% to 18% of the total energy consumption. While this may seem lower compared to space heating, it’s a significant expense because hot water is needed year-round.

The clearest signal of Norwich City Council’s intention to procure the solution if it can be shown to be effective is that we were already working together and that Phil chose the name “The Affordable Heat Store Pilot”, one week before Robert Smith of UKRi found out about this grant.

My affordable heat store device is a simple device consisting of a robust micro pump with a dip tube which fits to the outside of an existing hot water cylinder. A standard hot water cylinder is heated with a top mounted immersion heater; however; this limits the heated water to 1/3rd of the cylinder volume.

The patented device moves hot water from the top 1/3rd to the bottom of the cylinder to create uniform heating to the whole cylinder storing x3 the energy. You can store X6 the energy because the micro pump can operate at temperatures up to 85 degrees centigrade.

After successful field trials the device was validated during a UEA KE+ funded study.

Using computational 3D modelling it was seen that when operating the device, it will maintain a perfect thermocline in the cylinder during recharge. During discharge, when operated under the controlled conditions created by my patented “Pressure Enhancing Device” (sold under the name ShowerPowerBooster), the heat store maintains a perfect thermocline. This explains the truly amazing ability of such a simple solution. A solution which allows 17 KW Hr of usable energy to be stored in just 210 litres of water. A solution which can store surplus renewable energy for 14 days and make it available when there is no sun or wind.

ShowerPowerBooster Ltd, The University of East Anglia, and Norwich City Council, share a desire to decarbonise homes. We feel that the wide scale deployment of this low cost, low tech, heat store, has the potential to help achieve this at a fraction of the cost of existing solutions.

The aim of “The Affordable Heat Store Pilot” is to conduct extended field trials to evaluate this new technological solution focused on helping Norwich City Council meet its net zero ambitions. To do so we must work closely with the customers in this pilot to identify their motivation and aspirations, and opinions. The early installation of 50 affordable heat stores in private homes, is at minimal cost to the project, and it will gives us the data we need to convince council tenants in the latter months of this pilot.

The solution is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8. As a new product it faces resistance simply because it is new. This proposed project will , after this pilot, take the innovation to TRL 9.

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

The proposal is innovative enabling more energy to be stored in domestic hot water cylinders using electrical immersion heaters, with a simple, low cost retrofit. The system enables a shift in electricity consumption to off-peak periods, which has the potential to improve the transition to net zero.

Assessor 2

This is an interesting and pre-validated, seemingly simple technology that already has the buy-in of a local council for a very clear trial. The ability to gather consistent data on the usability and performance of this heat store for hot water will be a useful complement to other energy efficiency or affordability trials: the challenge and opportunity is clearly UK-wide.

Assessor 3

The proposal clearly articulates the challenge and provides a compelling narrative supported by evidence and estimates. The proposed is a very good fit for the challenges identified in the competition call.

END OF QUESTION 5

****************************************************************************

START OF QUESTION 6

QUESTION 6: What are the main technical challenges you are addressing?

Assessor Score 73% -The technical approach described is valid and relevant to the challenge identified, but a higher level of detail is required to provide confidence that technical project deliverables are achievable and to determine the merit of the potential solution.

My Comment

WHAT I WROTE

The challenge is to quantify the cost of rolling out affordable heat stores across a diverse range properties including, flats, bungalows, detached, semi detached, terrace houses.

The research proving the scientific merit of the product has already been undertaken. The UEA KE+ study verified that the Affordable Heat Store Device needed modification which was done and in its current form it does not require further modification.

Under this pilot the UEA Engineering Department is investigating the environmental merits, and the UEA business school are looking at the commercial merit including the negotiation of electricity tarriffs to give more reluctant participants a greater financial saving. The UEA are specifically tasked to answer the question “what might be achieved by deploying the innovation to address the need of decarbonising homes.

Due to the short duration of the project we will be installing heat stores in up to 50 private homes in a first phase, by replacing existing power showers, but without the certainty of tariff concessions from the energy companies. We will install these free of charge with the customer paying for materials.

This gives time to inspect a wide range of Council owned properties, and in particular those with water pressure problems. We will install a further 50 heat stores. The work will not be as simple as the first phase where we are just replacing old cylinders with heat stores. We need a financial incentive to get council tenants to welcome the Councils planned work and nothing motivates more than lower energy bills after negotiating a low off peak tariff.

At the end of the Affordable Heat Storage pilot, Norwich City Council will have costings for most types of homes, which will allow greater certainty of potential future costs when applying for further funding, and we will have created a bench mark for future estimating.

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

The previous work with academia has developed the system to address some technical challenges. This project is aimed at addressing the cost of installation and the motivation of residents to adopt the change. The inclusion and support of the local authority is noted positively.

Assessor 2

The technical element of this project is more about modeling and costs rather than the performance of the device itself, given its high TRL at the outset. This is a clear and measurable project which will also inform the right kind of incentives relative to the cost saving and climate impact, and will also help to assure potential users in future that their comfort will not be compromised.

Assessor 3

The proposed approach is credible and well suited for the objectives of the project. Although the process is clearly described, the proposal would have been strengthened by providing more specific details about the field trial, in the context of developing a financial incentive for end users; and the project deliverables (including, criteria for success).

END OF QUESTION 6
***************************************************************************************************
START OF QUESTION 7

7. Current state of the art and intellectual property

Average score 77% FAIL

Rejected for not answering questions not asked including more specific details about competitors, alternative solutions and the nearest state of the art; as well as discussion of any IP issues and whether freedom to operate has been considered. Without the former, the level and the market context of the innovation are difficult to assess.

Are similar products currently available in the market?

There are energy stores and pumps which can use high tech controls to achieve the same results as our affordable heat stores but not affordably. The installation of an Affordable Heat Store requires only basic plumbing skills and there are no rare earth contents.

There are no affordable current market solutions as equivalent hot water cylinders used for energy storage are x5 more expensive to buy and twice the cost to install.

Both the affordable heat storage devices and the ShowerPowerBoosters needed to create the optimal conditions for the heat stores are novel with inventive step and with robust patent protection in place. The IP is protected through published granted patents.

‘Tank Device’ GB2623198, protects the device which converts a simple tank into a heat store ‘Pressure Enhancing Device’ GB2477599, protects a pump that delivers the same effect as pumps x20 bigger..

There are no issues regarding disclosure or usage within or beyond the pilot.

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

The differentiation of this proposal is in its low cost of installation, compared to other energy saving systems. The intellectual property is protected. The review of the competitive landscape and potential alternative systems seems to be comprehensive, and realistic in the benefits of this proposal, provided the low cost objective is achieved.

Assessor 2

There is existing intellectual property protection in place. This appears to be a novel and more cost effective solution to more complicated products on the market.

Assessor 3

The proposal would have benefitted from providing more specific details about competitors, alternative solutions and the nearest state of the art; as well as discussion of any IP issues and whether freedom to operate has been considered. Without the former, the level and the market context of the innovation are difficult to assess.

END OF QUESTION 7
**********************************************************************************************
START OF QUESTION 8

8. Project plan and methodology

Average score 60% FAIL – Assessor 3 again who is asking for answers to questions not asked. Even being asked why I have not considered a competitor copying my patented solution.

Describe your project plan and identify the main milestones.

Project Overview and Plan: The Affordable Heat Store Pilot structured around two phases—retrofits in private homes and retrofits in Council Properties—with concurrent research and evaluation led by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Phase 1 (Months 1–3): Private Homes

• Retrofit 50 private homes using a fixed-price installation model (£250 per home). ShowerPowerBooster Ltd will pay the full cost of the labour to install heat stores as a customer incentive bonus for participating in the pilot.
• Plumbers appointed by ShowerPowerBooster Ltd will carry out a pre-condition survey with a socio-economic questionnaire. If selected for the pilot, our plumbers will install the heat store, and carry out a post installation customer satisfaction questionnaire.
• Customers can contact ShowerPowerBooster Ltd though its existing 5-Star customer service team.

Phase 2 (Months 4–8): Council & Private Buildings

• SPB appointed plumbers will survey properties on behalf of Norwich City Council and carry out the work if that property is selected (50 installations). A subsidy from grant funding of £500 per council property will apply

Ongoing (Months 1–10): Research and Evaluation (UEA)

• Negotiate Energy Tariffs for pilot customers.
• Advise on integration of affordable heat stores with existing air source heat pumps and integration with existing air source heat pumps to improve their efficiencies. Carry out further hydraulic modelling if required.
• Carry out Impact Studies (Water and Energy)
• Advise on routes to commercialisation in the UK and Europe

Milestones and Payment Schedule (SMART):

• Month 1: Contracts signed with UEA and Norwich City Council; 20%
• Month 2: 100% of private installations complete; 10%
• Month 3: Interim Reports for all UEAs Milestones 20%
• Month 9: Complete all 50 properties selected by NCC; 10%
• Month 10: Final procurement plan published by NCC ; 15%
• Month 10: Final Reports for all UEA Milestones 25%

Evidence of Technology Viability:

• ShowerPowerBoosters have been sold since 2012 and they have highest customer approval rating possible (5 full stars on Trustpilot – 1,910 reviews).
• UEA has predicted with no uncertainty the efficacy of the affordable heat storage for domestic water applications.
• Technology is IP-protected and ready for scale-up with existing UK manufacturer (Flowflex Components).

Resources Needed:

• Qualified plumbing contractors (engaged via fixed-rate agreements)
• UEA research team (Engineering and Business Schools)
• Project management by ShowerPowerBooster Ltd
• Administration support from Norwich City Council

Success Criteria:

• 100+ functioning installations.
• Positive customer feedback and socio-economic response
• A procurement strategy developed by Norwich City Council.
• A quantifiable reduction in peak energy demand and improved water efficiency

Project Management Processes:

• Constant feed back from customers through pre-existing customer service channels.
• Regular meetings with UEA and Norwich City Council
• All progress tracked against Gantt chart milestones (uploaded separately as PDF)

Feasibility Plan:

• Lab-validated models and prior market use underpin technical readiness
• Consumer acceptance tested through structured feedback loops
• Tariff models and deployment strategies will be developed for commercial feasibility

Risk Assessment and Mitigation:

• Technical Risk: Variation in retrofit conditions — mitigated by pre-install surveys and use of experienced plumbers.
• Commercial Risk: Reluctance from council tenants — addressed by financial incentive modelling and public engagement.
• Environmental Risk: Insufficient measurable impact
• Plan for Iteration and Deployment in Real-World Settings:
• Field trials in 100 homes will provide real-world feedback.
• Consideration of multiple property types to prove applicability.
• Data gathered will inform further product refinement and partnership strategies with heat pump manufacturers and local authorities.
• The pilot directly supports future scaling into council housing, and beyond, via licensing and direct procurement models.

A supporting Gantt chart detailing these milestones, payment schedule, and dependencies is included as a PDF appendix.

The Affordable Heat Store Pilot.pdf (opens in a new window).

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

The Gantt chart is basic but adequate for this short duration project. There are inconsistencies in the milestones and the payment schedule; the detail on payment against milestones shows the majority of costs to be drawn in month 1, which is different from the text and Gantt chart. This is in need of reconciliation. The risk assessment is basic and would benefit from more granular detail on those listed and a more comprehensive and inclusive assessment of risks, including resident acceptance, for example.

Assessor 2

This is a clear project plan that has distinct populations who will receive a trial version. The project plan is quite high level but as the team is already quite experienced and the scope is quite contained this does limit the risks.

Assessor 3

The proposal provides some of the key details about the project management plan (e.g. main activities, costs, milestones), identifies some of the main risks and offers suitable mitigation. However a lot of important details are also missing, including explicit outline of activities and deliverables leads, interdependencies between milestones/activities; and the approach to management. The proposal would have been strengthened by providing more specific details about acquiring the required resources and the success criteria, and considering more key risks associated with the project (such as a competitor coming up with a similar product before the end of the project).

END OF QUESTION 8
**********************************************************************************************
START OF QUESTION 9

SCORE 77% FAIL
ASSESSOR 3 AGAIN. Asking for answers to questions not asked for.

Who is in the technical team?

Alan Wright (ShowerPowerBooster Ltd)
BSc(Hons)CEng, MICE

I am a Chartered Civil Engineer BSc (Hons C) Eng MICE.

I have 30 years experience in design and construction of water treatment works, sewage treatment works, water networks, sewerage, sewage, and all types of pumping stations, sea and river outfalls, under water pipelines, raw water boreholes, tunnelling, reed beds, hydrology, river crossings, gas holders, service reservoirs, raw water reservoirs, and more. I worked for Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, and Welsh Water.

At Anglian Water I was the most senior design Engineer in Norfolk with specific responsibility for water network design and construction in Norwich, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

My particular forte was managing multi-million pound multidisciplinary capital schemes.

After leaving Anglian Water I have run my own businesses which included Norwich Building Services, WrightSolar Ltd, and ShowerPowerBooster Ltd.

Norwich Building repaired flood and other damaged builings, built a new house, and extended another. WrightSolar developed renewable products and patented the technology behind the ShowerPowerBooster in 2010. ShowerPowerBooster Ltd commercialised the ShowerPowerBooster.

I have extensive knowledge of plumbing and organising on site activities and I am backed by a dedicated customer service team.

I am able to give whatever time is needed for the smooth running of this project.

Dr Stefano Landini (SL)

School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (EMP)

s.landini@uea.ac.uk , 01603 59 1264

Relevant UEA Academic Lead Expertise/Capability needed to deliver this project

SL has extensive expertise in thermal engineering and thermal energy storage, specifically experimental testing including thermal characterisation of sensible and latent heat storage and bespoke controllers. Also, SL developed a thermal energy storage test rig available in SL’s Thermofluids lab which will be employed to validate the CFD model needed in all work packages. The expertise is demonstrated by the track record reported in the attached SL’s CV. Also, SL is currently co-supervising the named KE Associate together with JP.Jack Panther

Jack Panther (Researcher and Lecturer at the UEA.
JP’s research expertise is in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Within this field, he has a track record of delivering industrial collaboration projects, such as designing and simulating innovative cleaning methods in resource-constrained environments (Procter and Gamble), simulating fluid distribution in novel liquid-based carbon capture devices (ExxonMobil), and simulating and optimising gas flow dynamics in new food packaging processes (Fabcon Food Systems LTd. & PepsiCo). His primary role in the project will be to support the KE Associate in using the CFD simulation software to accurately and efficiently model the fluid and heat flow profiles in the domestic thermal storage system. An additional role will be to manage the CFD-based project workflow.

Stephano and Jack will provide the expertise and ability to evaluate any complex hydraulic process that may arise in when integrating our heat store with existing air source heat pumps and control and direct people who can provide dedicated achedemic and research time, aligned with contracted deliverables.

The UEA Business School will provide economic and market feasibility analysis

Phil Hunt is the Environmental Strategy Manager at Norwich City Council and he is the primary advocate for this pilot at Norwich City Council, but, being cash strapped, they needed this grant to move forward.

Norwich City Council are the looking to decarbonise its housing stock and they suggested both the name and the scope of this project. Norwich City Council will take a very active part in steering this project to a successful conclusion and they wish to use our solution after a successful roll out.

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

The consortium is made up of suitably qualified and experienced individuals, whom appear to have the combined capability to successfully deliver the project. The inclusion of academic and local authority team members is welcomed.

Assessor 2

The technical team appear to have all the relevant skills and experience. It is noteworthy that the council are heavily involved (to the point of suggesting the name) and it is helpful that they are willing to take this forward assuming the findings justify that action.

Assessor 3

The proposed team of partners provides significant relevant expertise and skills, and they are very well suited to the needs of the project. There is a strong indication that engagement with potential customers and end users is very well embedded in the project and that the local authority is committed to the project. The proposal would have been strengthened by being explicit and providing more details about who brings in commercialisation skills to the team.

END OF QUESTION 9
****************************************************************************************
START OF QUESTION 10

10. Costs and value for money

FAIL 50%

How much will the project cost?

The total cost we are requesting is the maximum which is understood to be £100,000 including VAT.

The solution has already been validated by advanced computational modelling at the University of East Anglia and it simply confirmed that the amazing performance in limited field trials is backed by observation of hot and cold water, its thermocline, and the efficiency of my newly patented device, under advanced mathematical 3 dimensional modelling.

The pilot is based on fair market place prices through direct negotiation with fully qualified plumbers who have agreed a fixed price for the plumbing work per property of £250 each property. That is amazing value for money and recognises the simplicity of the affordable heat store which was designed as a DIY solution. The private properties are to be chosen from those with power showers because they will save 50% in energy and water usage. It is possible that they would be incentivised without subsidy. Free installation using a reputable and trust-worthy plumber should be enough motivation but part of the study is to find out what motivates homeowners to embrace change.

Perhaps we continue to add more properties to the study without the grant funded free installation?Advertising free installation for the first 40 properties only might induce rapid sign up for the pilot?

The work by the University of East Anglia cannot be monitored by a stop watch but they have in the past delivered and they will be monitored by me so as to the deliver the study results appropriate to this pilot. Their price is fixed.

Norwich City Council will have the opportunity of employing my plumbers who will estimate the cost of work before the council commits to individual jobs.

Presentation5.pdf (opens in a new window).

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

There are inconsistencies in the costs which need reconciliation, such as the timing of the milestone payments, which are shown differently in the project management section and the finance detailed section. The cash plan calls for over two thirds of the grant to be paid in month 1, which is unrealistic. The lead applicant has a small proportion of the costs, with the majority going to the academic and local authority partners; it is recognised that labour from the lead applicant is provided free of charge.

Assessor 2

For such a contained pilot the costs are relatively high, particularly since there isn’t any party who is going to provide detailed customer insight. The value for money case is mitigated by the potential to establish a solution with wide applicability and is therefore acceptable.

Assessor 3

The proposed project costs and use of suncontractors are appropriate and align well with the aims of the project. However, according to the application budget no costs are being claimed by the lead applicant for working on the project. The proposal would have been significantly strengthened by providing more and more specific (and quantified/estimates) details about the activities, deliverables and success criteria for each milestone, and for the activities of the UEA Business School as a subcontractor. The project is cost efficient and provides value for money, but the narrative would have benefitted from supporting evidence.

END OF QUESTION 10
**************************************************************************************************
START OF QUESTION 11

11. Commercial impacts

Average score 70% Fail.

What is the commercial potential of your project?

Timescales:

• Pilot project: September 2025 — June 2026
• Wider deployment planning: Post-project (from Q3 2026)
• Market launch readiness: Early 2027 (subject to manufacturing scale-up and local authority agreements)

Marketable Product Potential: The affordable heat store retrofit is a standalone product that converts domestic hot water cylinders into thermal energy stores. It meets a key Net Zero challenge — affordable demand shifting — and is compatible with existing home infrastructure.

Delivery Plan:

• Retrofit and evaluate 100 properties in this pilot
• Produce validated performance and consumer acceptance data
• Finalise a procurement plan with Norwich City Council
• Engage additional local authorities and partners (e.g., heat pump manufacturers)

Route to Market:

1. Public Sector Deployment: Through council procurement frameworks, starting with Norwich City Council
2. Partnerships: Collaborate with hybrid air source heat pump manufacturers (e.g., Daikin, Octopus Energy)
3. Private Sector and Self-Install: Marketed to retrofit consumers via plumbing suppliers and green home schemes

Competitive Advantage:

• Significantly lower cost than existing thermal batteries or smart hot water systems
• Easy to install using basic plumbing, no rare earths or electronics
• Strong patent protection and validated scientific performance

Existing Commercial Relationships:

• Longstanding partnership with Flowflex Components (UK-based manufacturer)
• Direct B2C sales experience from previous product lines (ShowerPowerBooster)

Future Commercial Potential:

• Scalable across UK housing stock (council and private)
• Opportunity for international licensing and OEM partnerships
• May integrate with smart home and energy-as-a-service platforms

This innovation offers clear commercial viability, strong consumer value, and readiness for scale with limited market friction.

Assessor feedback

Assessor 1

The commercial potential for this proposed innovation is clear, and based on achievement of the low installation cost objective, which is a critical dependency for the project to be successfully commercialised. The plan to commercialise via the consortium local authority partner is sensible, with significant volume potential with their housing stock. There is strong evidence of the rapid ambition for commercialisation.

Assessor 2

The potential for this innovation in the UK is clear. However, it is a concern that this pilot requires the maximum funds available and there is not yet an incentive plan in place which would make widespread adoption a potential reality for local councils.

Assessor 3

The proposal provides some of the basic details of the project which underpin the development of understanding of the value propositions to customers, the routes to market and the competitive advantage of the innovation. However these would have been strengthened by providing more details, supporting evidence and estimates to back up the statements made. While the provided details are appropriate, they indicate that there are limited commercialisation plans at this point of the project development.

END OF QUESTION 11

Assessor feedback

• Assessor 1
• This is a good idea, demonstrating innovation, with a low cost retrofit to shift the electricity demand away from peak hours usage, which has the potential to support local authorities in their net zero ambitions. The inclusion of an academic and local authority partner is recognised and welcomed. The plan for rapid commercialisation is clear. The reason for a ‘No’ decision is based on inconsistencies in cost allocations and timing of requested payments against milestones. There are inconsistencies in the project plan and finance sections, which are in need of reconciliation.
• Assessor 2
• Tackling energy efficiency with hot water is a big opportunity. This company appears to have a product that will make this affordable and easy, and this local council demonstration would be a good way to solidify the proposition and establish what levels of subsidy might be required as well as the potential benefit. While the costs are relatively high for such a contained pilot, the size of the opportunity and the fact that the council could not afford to do this independently provides justification on value for money.
• Assessor 3
• The proposal aims to deliver an innovative technology which is supported by an experienced team of partners, and includes plans for significant field trials. Stakeholder engagement is embedded within the project activities and there is significant buy in from potential customers. However, some parts of the proposal would have benefitted from the provision of more details and specifics, estimates and supporting evidence. The plans for commercialisation are at a nascent stage.