Note: The heat pump is only available for the Dutch market. The heat pump utilizes existing heat and energy available in the air, the ground, or groundwater. During the heating process, these natural sources are heated in the compressor of the heat pump, using the generated heat to warm the home or commercial building. But how exactly does a heat pump work? In this blog, we explain the operation of a heat pump in detail.
How does a heat pump works?
A heat pump operates on a cycle of evaporation and condensation, converting air, groundwater, or geothermal heat into warmth. Inside the heat pump is a refrigerant, a fluid that evaporates at a low temperature and is further heated through compression. The process works as follows:
- The heat from the outside air or groundwater is drawn in and comes into contact with the refrigerant, which evaporates in the evaporator.
- The compressor compresses the evaporated gaseous refrigerant, causing its temperature to rise significantly.
- In the condenser, the hot gas transfers its heat to the building’s heating system (underfloor heating or radiators).
- After the heat is released, the gas condenses back into a liquid. The expansion valve reduces the pressure, causing the now-liquid refrigerant to cool further.
- The cooled refrigerant flows back to the evaporator after passing through the expansion valve, and the process starts over again.
The overview below provides a visual representation of the process and operation of a heat pump.
How different types of heat pumps work
There are different types of heat pumps on the market, each extracting heat from a source in its own way. This source can be air, groundwater, or geothermal energy. Below, we explain how the various types of heat pumps work.
How an air-to-water heat pump works
The heat pumps from Eco Heating Systems are air-to-water heat pumps. In an air-to-water heat pump, outside air is drawn in using fans. The heat in the outside air warms the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate. From the evaporator, the gas is further heated by the compressor and then directed to the condenser. Here, the water in the building’s heating system is heated.
How a water-to-water heat pump works
A water-to-water heat pump extracts heat from groundwater. To make the process work, pipes are used to pump groundwater from the ground. The heat from this groundwater warms the refrigerant, causing the liquid in the evaporator to evaporate into gas. The gas is then further heated by the compressor, allowing it to heat the water in radiators or underfloor heating via the condenser.
How a ground-to-water heat pump works
A ground-to-water heat pump extracts heat from the earth. This geothermal heat is transported from the ground to the heat pump through pipes, where it comes into contact with the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate. The hot gas is then compressed, and in the condenser, it heats the water in the building’s heating system.
How an air-to-air heat pump works
An air-to-air heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and compresses it, which raises the temperature of the air inside the unit. This hot air is then blown into the room. The process is similar to an air conditioning system. For this system, a separate heat distribution unit is required, and it does not work with the building’s existing heating system.
How a hybrid heat pump works
A hybrid heat pump combines a traditionally gas-fired boiler with an electric air-to-water heat pump. The heat pump handles the majority of the building’s heating demand, while the gas-fired boiler provides backup during peak loads or extremely cold periods in winter. For more information about our hybrid heat pump, visit our website.
How a heat pump works in winter
In winter, a heat pump’s outdoor unit can be exposed to freezing temperatures. Around the freezing point, frost and ice can form on the fins and evaporator. This ice formation reduces the refrigerant’s ability to heat effectively, which decreases the heat pump’s performance. To remove the ice, the heat pump can automatically activate a defrost cycle. During this process, the heat pump essentially reverses its own cycle, directing heat to the evaporator so the ice melts. Read more about how a heat pump performs in winter in our blog.
What is the lifespan of a heat pump?
A heat pump has a long lifespan, typically 15 to 25 years. However, its longevity depends on how intensively the heat pump is used. The most sensitive component is the compressor, which wears out fastest under heavy use. With annual maintenance, the lifespan of the compressor can be significantly extended, which in turn prolongs the overall life of the heat pump.
Lifespan of different types of heat pumps
The lifespan of different types of heat pumps can vary, although the differences are not extreme. Water-to-water and ground-to-water heat pumps generally last longer than air-to-water heat pumps, as they do not use an outdoor unit. The downside of these systems is the higher installation cost. For water-to-water and ground-to-water heat pumps, pipes must be drilled into the ground, which involves additional expenses. With an air-to-water heat pump, these costs are not incurred.
Want to learn more about how heat pumps work?
The heat pumps from Eco Heating Systems are specifically designed for the commercial market. These systems are installed in commercial buildings, offices, residential complexes, and sports facilities, with a heating capacity of 27 to 222 kW per unit. The capacity can be significantly increased by connecting multiple heat pumps together. The units use the natural refrigerant propane (R290). In addition to heating, the air-to-water heat pump can also provide cooling, making it usable as an air conditioning system in the summer. Would you like to learn more about the energy consumption and efficiency of a heat pump? Read our blog on this topic.
Would you like to learn more about heat pumps or how they work in general? Check out the heat pumps from Eco Heating Systems online. Curious about the possibilities for your commercial building? Please feel free to contact us.
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