Heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from one location to another, using a small amount of energy to move heat against its natural flow. They absorb heat energy from your chosen source, even at cold temperatures, and transfers it to where it is needed.
Heat pumps operate based on the principle that heat energy naturally flows from areas of high temperature to areas of low temperature. Heat pumps use technologies like that of refrigerators and air conditioners, where they can reverse this process, moving heat from a lower temperature area to a higher temperature area. There are different types of heat pumps, including air-source heat pumps (which extract heat from the outdoor air), ground-source heat pumps (which extract heat from the ground), and water-source heat pumps (which extract heat from water bodies).
A typical heat pump consists of four main components:
– Evaporator
This is where the heat pump absorbs heat from the source (like the outside air, ground, or water). A refrigerant evaporates and absorbs the heat in the process.
– Compressor
The compressor increases the pressure of the heated refrigerant vapor, raising its temperature as well.
– Condenser
In the condenser, the hot, high-pressure refrigerant releases its heat to the destination (like inside a building). The refrigerant condenses back into a liquid state.
– Expansion Valve
This valve reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, causing it to evaporate and absorb heat again in the evaporator, restarting the cycle.
Heat Pumps: Efficient Heating & Cooling
In heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from an external source (like the outdoor air or the ground) through the evaporator. The refrigerant evaporates, absorbing this heat energy. The compressor then increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, which is then released to the indoor space through the condenser, warming up the area.
Heat pumps can also work in reverse to provide cooling. In this mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the indoor space through the evaporator and releases it to the outside environment through the condenser, cooling down the indoor space.
Heat pumps are more energy-efficient compared to traditional heating and cooling systems that generate heat or cold air. This is because they move heat rather than generating it. However, their efficiency can vary based on factors such as the temperature difference between the source and the destination and the specific type of heat pump being used. For example, the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) for a typical household heat pump is usually around 4. Therefore, the energy output is 4 times greater than the electrical energy used to run it. This makes current heat pumps models 3‐5 times more energy efficient than gas boilers.
Qvantum are passionate about creating energy-efficient, quality heat pumps at a competitive price that give you a lovely indoor climate regardless of the weather.
