Offices, healthcare institutions, hospitals, schools, and other large buildings often have a significant demand for cooling, especially during the summer months. A modern air-to-water heat pump offers an efficient solution. In addition to heating, these units can provide active cooling. Thanks to their high capacity and modular design, they are ideally suited for larger buildings and complex installations. In this article, you will learn how cooling with an air-to-water heat pump works, which systems are most suitable, and what installers and building managers need to take into account.
How does cooling with an air-to-water heat pump work?
An air-to-water heat pump operates using a reversible refrigeration cycle. When heating is required, the unit extracts heat from the outside air using a refrigerant and transfers it to the building's heating system. When cooling is needed, this process is reversed. In this mode, the evaporator functions as a condenser and the condenser as an evaporator. The refrigerant flow changes direction within the heat pump, which is made possible by a four-way valve. The system subsequently produces chilled water that is distributed throughout the building via the emission system (such as underfloor heating or radiators). The result is a stable and comfortable indoor temperature without the use of traditional, high-energy-consuming cooling installations.
Active cooling for commercial buildings
For commercial and public buildings, active cooling is typically used. In this process, the heat pump generates cold energy, which is transferred to the water in the building’s distribution system. This works exceptionally well with low-temperature systems, such as underfloor heating.
Key benefits of active cooling with a heat pump include:
- A single system for both heating and cooling
- Lower energy costs compared to conventional chillers
- Reduced CO2-emissions, especially when using the refrigerant R290
- Integration with sustainable energy sources
- Pleasant cooling without drafts or noise
For buildings with a high cooling demand, the system can be expanded with multiple heat pumps in a cascade configuration to ensure sufficient cooling capacity is available.
Effective emission systems for cooling
The efficiency of cooling with a heat pump is closely linked to the type of emission system used. Low-temperature systems operate most efficiently.
The most suitable systems are underfloor heating/cooling, climate ceilings, and fan coils. With underfloor heating, the concrete floor is cooled, resulting in a stable climate with low energy costs. Climate ceilings offer a large exchange surface that cools effectively. Fan coil units can be used to deliver high cooling capacities quickly.
Advantages for large commercial buildings
Air-to-water heat pumps specifically developed for the commercial market offer several key advantages for large buildings:
- High capacities for substantial cooling and heating demands
- Modular system design
- Option for cascade configurations
- Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Suitable for both renovation and new construction
- Possibility for application in hybrid systems
These benefits allow offices, hospitals, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other commercial buildings to be cooled efficiently with a centralized system.
Preventing condensation
When cooling via floor systems or climate ceilings, dew point monitoring is essential. If the surface temperature drops below the dew point, condensation can occur. The optimal water temperature for cooling the building can be calculated within the Building Management System (BMS) and configured by the installer. Preventing condensation is a priority in commercial buildings.
Key design principles:
- Operate with relatively high cooling water temperatures (e.g., 16 – 20°C).
- Integrate dew point sensors into the control system.
- Combine floor cooling with dehumidification via air handling units.
- Link the controls to the Building Management System (BMS).
For high-capacity systems in commercial buildings, precise configuration is crucial. It involves managing large power outputs and accurately controlling compressors to guarantee a constant cooling climate. By optimizing the heating and cooling settings, the system remains safe, comfortable, and as energy-efficient as possible.
Want to learn more about our heating systems?
The demand for cooling in commercial buildings is rising due to higher comfort requirements and increasing outdoor temperatures. Simultaneously, there is a growing need for sustainable solutions. Air-to-water heat pumps offer an efficient alternative to traditional, energy-intensive cooling systems. By combining heating and cooling into one system, the air-to-water heat pump serves as a sustainable solution for both users and property owners.
Interested in our heat pumps or heating systems in general? Please feel free to contact us or visit our factory. We have a working hybrid system on-site that you can inspect. We would be happy to show you how it works.
Back to the overview