Do you know what a heat pump is? This is a facility that uses renewable energy sources to heat and cool interiors. This system is increasingly popular for its energy efficiency and environmental benefits. How does it work and what heat pump to choose?
Main heat pump components
Heat pump is a device that can get heat from air, water or earth and then transfer it to the interior. It does not require traditional fuels such as gas or electricity for heating. The heat pump shall consist of the following components:
- Evaporator It obtains heat from the outside.
- Compressor ♦ increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.
- Condensator It transmits heat to the heating system.
- Expansion valve It reduces the coolant pressure and prepares it for the next cycle.
This is a green solution that uses renewable energy sources. It can save energy and heating costs. The advantage is also called double functionality. It is used for heating and cooling interior. What are the drawbacks? Higher initial investment, but also the need for suitable conditions, e.g. the question of where to place the ground-water heat pump, for which sufficient land is needed.
Principle of operation of heat pump
Heat pump removes heat from outside the house. This heat is then used to heat the living quarters. On what principle does a heat pump work? This is a cycle consisting of stages:
- Expansion After the heat transfer, the refrigerant is expanded, cooled and the process repeated.
- Evaporation The heat from the external environment (air, water, ground) is transferred to the heat pump circuit in the evaporator. Heat is absorbed in a liquid state, causing evaporation and conversion to a gaseous state.
- Pressing The gaseous refrigerant is compressed with a compressor, increasing its temperature.
- Condensation The heat is transferred to the heating system.
After obtaining heat from the surroundings, this heat is transferred to the heating system in the home, whether it is underfloor heating or radiators.
Types of heat pumps
Pumps vary according to the heat source and the method of use:
- Air-air. How does the air heat pump work? He warms the air inside. It is suitable for smaller objects and climate conditions where temperatures are not extremely low.
- Air-water. It uses heat from the air to heat water, which subsequently heats the interior.
- Earth-water. It draws energy from the ground and uses it to heat water in the heating system.
- Water-water. It obtains energy from groundwater and uses it for heating.
Heat pump vs. other heat sources
Are you wondering whether the gas or heat pump, heat pump or electric boiler or heat pump or condensing boiler? The heat pump offers lower operating costs and is more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, the initial investment tends to be higher, which in the long term compensates for lower energy consumption.
How to choose a heat pump
Do you know what heat pump to the house? If you ask: "What kind of heat pump I need" you should know that the choice depends on several factors:
- Building type If it is a new building or a passive house, you can choose a more efficient type than Earth-water or Air-water. For older buildings with lower thermal insulation again air-air or Air-water.
- Energy needs Take into account the size of the house, population and heat loss. For larger houses with higher demands for heating, more performance systems are recommended.
- Climate conditions – v chladnejších oblastiach je lepšie zvoliť tepelné čerpadlo Earth-water, ktoré je stabilnejšie pri nízkych teplotách, alebo kondenzačný kotol v kombinácii s tepelného čerpadlom.
- Využitie – či chcete vykurovať aj chladiť, alebo len vykurovať, a aký typ zdroja tepla (vzduch, voda, zem) je dostupný vo vašej lokalite.
Tepelné čerpadlo je moderné, ekologické a efektívne riešenie na vykurovanie a chladenie domácností. Aj keď počiatočné náklady môžu byť vyššie, dlhodobé úspory a prínos pre životné prostredie robia túto technológiu vynikajúcou investíciou do budúcnosti.
