An air-to-water heat pump is not suitable for heating a house! At least that’s what many “internet experts” say. But is this really so? How efficient is air-to-water heating with a heat pump?
Air heat pumps are cheaper than geothermal and water heat pumps, both in terms of equipment and installation. They are mainly used for hot water supply, but how advisable is it to use it for heating a home?
Principle of operation
For those who do not fully understand the topic, it is worth explaining what an air-to-water heat pump is. In fact, it is “the other way around” - a device that cools the air outside and heats the water that is in the tank. This water can then be used for hot water supply or heating the house.
The heat pump uses a closed cycle and only consumes electricity. Its efficiency is measured as the ratio of electrical energy expended to thermal energy received. The efficiency of heat pumps is also measured in COP (Coefficient of performance). COP 2 corresponds to an efficiency of 200% and means that for 1 kW of electricity it will produce 2 kW of heat.
Power and efficiency
If for geothermal and water heat pumps the efficiency practically does not depend on the time of year, then with air heat pumps the situation is different. Performance directly depends on the outside air temperature; the colder it is, the lower the COP (efficiency).
Read also:
Air-to-air heat pump for home heating - pros and cons
Many people believe that the power of a heat pump determines how much heat it can produce, but this is not true. It characterizes energy consumption, and the amount of heat received depends on the efficiency. Accordingly, it depends on the air temperature outside the house.
Advantages and disadvantages
Fine:
- An air-to-water heat pump is cheaper than ground-to-water and water-to-water;
- There is no need to lay refrigerant pipes for installation;
- Easy to install.
Badly:
- Low performance at low temperatures;
- Models that operate at very low temperatures are quite expensive.
Features of using an air-to-water heat pump for heating a home
No seller will tell you about dependence of equipment wear on efficiency. And she is! Let's show it clearly:
For example, at 0 degrees the efficiency of an air source heat pump is 300%, and at -5 – 200%. That is, to get 10 kW of heat, in the first case it will consume 3.33 kW of electricity, and in the second - 5 kW. The heat pump itself will do one and a half times more work at a temperature of -5 than at 0 degrees.
Alternative energy sources that can replace traditional gas and solid fuel have long been used in the EU and America. In these countries, so-called “heat pumps” are widely used, extracting energy from the earth, air and water. Each model has its own distinctive features that affect operating parameters.
The air-to-water heat pump is popular due to its simple connection and operation, as well as its high efficiency and reliability.
How does an air-to-water heat pump work?
The air-to-water HP device is not much different from a conventional air conditioner or refrigerator, only if the reverse process or Carnot cycle operates. The same principle is used in the new generation of climate control technology. Air conditioners operating for cooling are capable of heating the room until the temperature drops to -5°C.The technical characteristics of air-to-water heat pumps are significantly improved compared to conventional climate control equipment. Heating of the room is possible until the temperature drops to -15°C -25°C, and in some models up to -32°C, inclusive.
Without going into technical details, the operating principle of an air-to-water heat pump is as follows:
- Low-temperature air-water heat pumps consist of a circuit through which freon circulates, an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor.
- The evaporator creates conditions for converting freon into a gaseous state. At the same time, heat is absorbed from the environment.
- The gas is sent to the compressor, where high pressure is created, at which the freon is heated to a temperature of 120-125 ° C and injected into the condenser.
- The gas in the condenser is converted into a liquid, which releases heat.
This principle of operation is used in all heat pumps, the only difference is in the different sources for obtaining thermal energy: earth, water, air, etc.
The performance of heat pumps is directly related to the ambient temperature. This feature guarantees the possibility of using air-to-water HP in central and southern Russia.
The thermal energy obtained during the heating of freon is enough to heat the coolant to 65°C. This temperature is more than enough to satisfy the needs for hot water supply and heating of the house, radiator system and heated floors.
This operating principle uses low potential thermal energy, which limits the operation of the device to external factors. The optimal temperature for an air-to-water heat pump is not lower than -10°C (in some models 15-20°C). When the value drops below normal, the performance of the equipment decreases sharply. To cope with this problem, the principle of operating an air-to-water heat pump in conjunction with other heat sources was developed. How does this happen in practice?
- When the ambient temperature drops, the pump begins to work with an ever-increasing load.
- When the indicators reach critical levels, a backup heat source is turned on: a boiler powered by electricity, liquid and solid fuel or gas, providing increased efficiency.
- As soon as the ambient temperature is sufficient for full output, the boiler switches off.
Limitations on outside air temperature make it impractical and even impossible to install an air heat pump for northern latitudes.
How to choose an air-to-water heat pump
By choosing the right heat pump for air-to-water heating at home, you can once and for all solve the issue of heating residential and industrial premises. The selection of a suitable thermal station is carried out as follows:- Housing type - manufacturers offer two basic designs. The low-temperature monoblock air-to-water heat pump is notable for the fact that no equipment is installed indoors, all the necessary components are located outside (or in a separate isolated room). Only the heating supply and return pipes enter the house.
Split systems are more intended for domestic use. The external unit is installed outdoors and connected to a storage tank. The heated freon heats up the condenser, which by indirect heating transfers heat to the liquid used as a coolant. - Functionality - some models are designed to be connected only to a building's water heating system. Application of other air-to-water heat pumps, suitable for heating and hot water supply.
- Dependence of performance on ambient temperature - household models are usually limited to temperatures from +45°C to -15°C; you can purchase equipment capable of generating thermal energy even at -25-32°C. The efficiency of a home heating system with an air-water heat pump directly depends on this parameter.
Additionally, when choosing parameters, pay attention to the power of the equipment, the manufacturer company that produces the heat pump and the cost of installation, including installation work.
How to calculate the required power of an air-water HP
There are two concepts, preliminary (as a first approximation) and design power calculation. The first one can be done independently, the second one is done by a specialized institution. As a first approximation, 70 W of HP power is calculated for each square meter. Further calculations are performed as follows:- Calculate the total heated area.
- Multiply the resulting amount by 0.7.
- The result obtained will correspond to the minimum required power of the equipment.
To ensure maximum efficiency of home heating using an air-to-water heat pump, competent design documentation and qualified installation work will be required.
Manufacturers of air-to-water heating heat pumps
Just 10 years ago, only a few heat pump models were offered on the market. Today the choice has become much greater. Leading German manufacturers, Russian, Japanese and Chinese companies produce equipment with varying degrees of thermal efficiency.Judging by customer reviews, the most popular pumps are from the following companies:
- – has been producing heat pumps for over 30 years. Since then, the company's products have changed significantly. The wishes of consumers were taken into account and new technologies were introduced. Viessmann TN uses innovative automation that completely regulates the entire work process, optimizing the heating process in accordance with weather conditions.
- – models are characterized by high performance. Designed for household and industrial use. Fully comply with the peculiarities of domestic operation. The Buderus series offers pumps for heating areas up to 500 m² and above.
- Stiebel Eltron is another German company that is in constant demand among domestic consumers. The advantages include a large range of equipment offered, the functionality of the devices and the ability to select according to individual requests. Stiebel Eltron models have a high COP level and are economical.
- Heliotherm are Austrian heat pumps that have one of the best COP indicators among all thermal equipment. They have an official representative office in the Russian Federation, which greatly facilitates installation, maintenance of systems and fulfillment of warranty obligations. More than 15,000 different objects are equipped with Heliotherm heat pumps.
Cost of installing an air-to-water HP
The latest models of heat pumps will cost 160-1200 thousand rubles. The price varies depending on the manufacturer. The cost is greatly influenced by the “promotion” of the brand. Chinese models have a lower price, but are also inferior in reliability and COP performance.Installation of air-to-water heat pumps is usually included in the price. Most manufacturers will additionally do the project and provide other maintenance services free of charge. You can calculate the full cost, including the purchase of a HP and its installation, using online calculators.
Air-to-water heat pumps are installed anywhere in the local area. There are general rules regarding installation:- The distance to a residential building is from 2 to 20 m.
- The minimum distance to the boiler room to which the unit is connected by several pipes and electrical cables.
- A storage tank is located in the boiler room and circulation equipment is installed.
- A slight noise level is created during operation. However, if you plan to install a monoblock for indoor installation, you should allocate a separate soundproof room for it.
- The outdoor unit looks like an air conditioner housing. At the bottom there are legs for installation, as well as wall mounts.
One of the most common solutions regarding the operation of a heat pump is the use of a system for heating swimming pools. With the help of equipment, water is heated in summer, as well as room heating in winter.
How profitable is an air-to-water heat pump?
The benefits of using air-water heating heat pumps became especially obvious after the advent of COP. This term hides a coefficient that compares the required energy costs when heating with an air-to-water heat pump. In practice this means the following:- The VT requires electricity to operate. The compressor needs voltage to pressurize the system. COP indicates how much heat was obtained due to electricity consumption per day.
- If COP is 3, then the pump produces 3 kW of thermal energy for every kW of electricity consumed.
All the disadvantages of operating air-to-water heat pumps mainly come down to dependence on external temperature factors. But this can be taken into account when choosing a model, paying attention to the parameter indicating the lower temperature limit for maintaining the HP’s operability.
Have you started building a house or have you already built one? But whatever it was, small or large, it was always very pleasant and warm, without heating systems you just can't do it.
You can do everything yourself, but you can trust experienced specialists.
In any case, the equipment you choose. Warm rooms are just the old method with a stove or fireplace. But this is not about that, but let's look at heating systems in which the refrigerant is located, heating the rooms using heating radiators.
Cost of private home heating systems:
Heat supply system for a house up to 100 m2.
- design
- Double wall boilers
- Aluminum radiators
- Pipes and fittings
- installation
- Starting the heating system
Price 150,000 rubles
Heating system for a private house with an area of up to 200 m2.
- design
- Two-component boiler
- Aluminum radiators
- Pipes and fittings
- installation
- Starting the heating system
Price 280,000 rubles
Heating chamber up to 300 m2.
- design
- Floor boilers
- Indirect boiler
- Aluminum radiators
- Pipes and fittings
- installation
Starting heating systems
Price 385,000 rubles
Depending on the heating project, there are discounts on materials and labor.
Installation of heating in a private house by Teploproka specialists!
Advantages of working with us:
- More than 14 years of successful activity.
- A professional team of designers and producers of works.
- More than 30 items are removed monthly.
- The company has already completed more than 20,000 projects.
- 40 professional teams are involved in the assembly process.
- We do not use cheap labor or unskilled labor.
- All parts are checked and accepted by technical control engineers.
- We use high quality equipment.
- All components and work are justified.
- Due to direct sales and seller discounts, we offer equipment at below market prices.
- Once an estimate is submitted for a project, the price does not change and nothing is paid at the time of installation.
Hydraulic heating system This is a closed system of pipes, a boiler (heat generator) and other devices filled with liquid.
The liquid inside the system is called refrigerant. Heating systems work quite simply: a pump passes fluid through the system, first heats it in the boiler, then cools it in the radiators, releasing heat and heating the rooms at the same time. There are still many different taps and nuts in the heating system, but they are only the main components of the system.
What is refrigerant? This is a liquid filled with the heating system, through which heat is transferred from the boiler to the radiators.
Why is it often used as cooling water? This is because water, due to its physical properties, can accumulate and produce a huge amount of heat. The water flows well, so it is not difficult to fill the heating system and transfer heat from the boiler to the radiators.
The water is environmentally friendly and leakage does not pose a health hazard. In water always available in the aqueduct, it is very easy to add to the system.
At Teploprok you can order heating devices: fan heaters, thermal curtains, heat guns and other heating equipment to maintain the desired temperature in the room. Thermal insulation of walls, ceilings, roofs prevents heat loss due to infrared thermal radiation.
The closest element of the heating system that we see every day is the heating radiator.
Planning and installation of heating systems begins with their selection and location. What does the quality of heating systems mean? In addition to well-installed equipment, the quality of the heating system also refers to the ability of the entire system to maintain the temperature in the house. Heating of radiators is carried out through pipes connecting the gas heater and radiators, with a closed system through which the refrigerant moves.
The fastest and at the same time very important part of the heating system is the “heart” boiler room. In the boiler, the energy from fuel combustion is converted into heat generated by the refrigerant.
Choose how to heat your garage
Sooner or later, every garage owner thinks about how to organize a heating system in such a building.
Depending on the location of the garage in accordance with the residential structure and the material from which the object is stored, there are several heating methods.
Heating a private house.
Winter time is closely associated with increased consumption.
People need more calories and warm clothes. Cars need more fuel. And for your home you need more electricity and gas. And while for residential residents the cost of heating is a relatively small monthly benefit for utilities, for many private sector residents it is a serious financial blow.
How to connect the heating?
No doubt you agree that heating a boiler is much more convenient than heating a stove.
However, the heating plan will be the same whether you create a boiler or an oven. When choosing a heating system, it is better to stay with two-way two-pipe systems as they are more efficient and reliable. With this system you can achieve strong natural circulation of water or other coolant.
General information about heating
As you know, the greater the temperature difference between the temperature of the ambient air and the internal air and the larger the surface of closed structures, the more heat the building loses.
In the same way, the heat loss of a building depends on the material from which the building is constructed and on the thickness of the partitions. Heat will disappear faster from a room with brick walls than from a room with wood or concrete foam walls. This depends on the thermal conductivity of the material: the thermal conductivity of wood is lower than the thermal conductivity of brick.
Natural circulation heating systems
The simplest and most common heating system for small houses in houses is a natural circulation heating system, which uses only physical laws and does not require additional energy sources other than natural ones.
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The construction of a private house, cottage, or indeed any low-rise housing makes you think about its heating system. The current method is to use a geothermal heat pump for heating.
There are several types of heat pumps, differing in the way they produce heat.
Popular methods include HP using a horizontal circuit with water intake from the surface of a reservoir or a water circuit using a water well.
Creating heating using a heat pump on a water circuit often becomes very relevant and advantageous compared to a geothermal circuit. Why? The answer is the simplest. It is enough to drill a water well to a depth of 10 to 100 meters, where there is an aquifer, and use the well to operate the HP. Water is considered a more efficient coolant than simply using ground heat.
To create a horizontal contour, a large area is required.
A fairly large number of wells may need to be drilled for a geothermal circuit. There may not be opportunities for drilling them. Elementarily, there may be no access roads for delivery of the drilling rig. To install a HP to obtain heat from groundwater or an aquifer, only two wells need to be drilled.
One for water intake, the other for waste water discharge. This is a much easier and less costly action in economic terms.
There are a number of objections to residential heat pumps.
Let's try to debunk them using the example of using Ovanter heat pumps.
Objection 1
Skeptics argue that groundwater used for heat pumps is not a renewable energy source.
Groundwater is an ideal source of energy for a heat pump. The temperature of groundwater all year round is approximately from +4 to +7°C. It corresponds to most regions in Russia and never falls below this value.
In addition to the water well, the source of energy for a ground source heat pump with a water circuit can be considered: surface water or, if present, waste or biological water coming from wastewater treatment plants or discharged liquids from industrial wastewater.
The main types of water that can serve as a source of thermal energy for HP with a water cycle.
- Groundwater – temperature in different geographical areas from +4 to +10°C;
- Sea water – temperature at a depth of 25 to 50 meters ranges from +5 to +8°C;
- Groundwater has the most stable temperature;
- The nearest body of water (river, lake, deep pond).
The circuit is laid on the bottom of the reservoir or sunk to a depth of 2 meters. By the way, 1 meter of pipeline used for such a circuit corresponds to 30 W of thermal power.
The higher the ground temperature, the more the thermal coefficient (COP) increases, the less electricity is spent on operating the heat pump to produce heat.
Objection 2
For heat pumps with a horizontal circuit, the ground cooling factor must be taken into account.
How to make an air-to-water heat pump for heating a house
In fact, intensive use of geothermal heat from the soil causes cooling of the soil around the register of pipes of the heat collection system. For example, in the northern regions, during the short summer period the soil does not have time to reach the required temperature. Therefore, often, at the beginning of the next winter period, the soil emerges with a reduced thermal potential.
The decrease in ground temperature is exponential (increasing) in nature. Therefore, after approximately 5 years of operation of the heat supply system, the thermal state of the soil after a decrease in temperature improves and reaches a relatively stable level.
However, it will still be 1–2°C less than natural. There is a way out of the situation. When designing a heat supply system, it is important to take into account the possible cooling of the soil during its operation.
There is another way out. Heat pumps that draw thermal energy from groundwater and aquifers or from open bodies of water create a more stable heating system with a stable temperature.
Example, use of Russian Ovanter heat pumps. The pumps of this company operate in open groundwater systems, where constant water exchange occurs. Groundwater replenishment occurs from the following sources, which are:
- Water seeping from the soil surface;
- Water that comes from deeper ground layers.
Thus, efficiency depends on the thickness and depth of the aquifer.
The temperature of the aquifer remains constant and does not change throughout the entire period. The practice of constructing such systems shows that the maximum temperature gradient in the total soil thickness during the entire operation period does not exceed, as a rule, 8-10 degrees/m.
This means that temperature differences will be very small. The value of the temperature gradient is observed vertically and precisely in the direction in which the intensity of the fluid flow is most observed. It compensates for moisture migration under the influence of thermogradient forces. Thus, the system for collecting low-potential soil heat under the influence of moisture flows in soil pores in the general massif does not require special accuracy of mathematical calculations.
Objection 3
Obtaining water from a well requires drilling and some, often large, amount of pipeline. If the water is of poor quality, this leads to the appearance of salt deposits and corrosion on the walls of the pipes.
Modern technologies have made it possible to find a solution to protect pipelines from corrosion.
The use of plastic pipes is considered an effective way to combat corrosion. This is the most effective option in creating a heating system with powerful heat pumps capable of working with wells up to 70 meters deep or more. Cheap plastic pipes are used for the pipeline.
Objection 4
Problem with water discharge after the water has passed through the heat exchanger.
Someone may have a question: where to put the discharged water?
Waste water from, for example, industrial facilities can also be used as an energy source for heat pumps.
According to technological conditions, waste water used for the heating system of a private house must go into an adjacent well located at an estimated distance from the main well and back into the formation.
Rice. No. 1. Scheme of using an open-type heat pump with heat extraction from groundwater.
The diagram clearly shows the well for water discharge.
Legislative acts in the form of Federal norms and rules stipulate the conditions for water discharge and provide legal justification for the actions of private individuals. In addition, the discharge of water when used in a HP system is not considered environmentally harmful. There is no release of harmful impurities into the environment.
Objection 5
Dependence of HP operation on well flow rate and accumulation of renewable water reserves in an additional tank.
Over time, the amount of water in the well may decrease, and the quality allegedly deteriorates.
However, even over time, when extracting water from a well up to 70 meters deep and with a volume of 3 - 5 m3/hour, the amount of water does not decrease. Thanks to the flow, the properties of water are greatly improved
Water can be accumulated in an additional reservoir (water storage tank). In this case, water can be used without the use of a heat exchanger. For example, using a battery tank with a capacity of 300 liters makes it possible to accumulate thermal energy and even out irregular water use.
In addition, a number of necessary and additional elements in the system increase its quality, reliability and reliability.
A heat pump together with a well pump constitute a powerful installation for lifting water. As it rises to the surface, the water separates. Part of the water is used for heating. The other part of the water, passing through a mechanical filtration system, is used for domestic needs. If the house is included in the category of low-rise buildings, you can take water for internal consumption even without using an additional pumping station.
The combination of elements such as an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, a throttle and a heat exchanger in a geothermal heat pump system serves to prepare water for domestic hot water.
They are closed using a steel pipeline with refrigerant circulating through it.
A solar collector for heating water in a battery increases the efficiency of the heating and hot water supply system. It, like an electric heater, can serve to cover peak loads.
In particular, the use of a heat exchanger system such as a fan coil is considered an effective means for this.
Objection 6
Some may say that when using water from a well, there is a danger of contamination of the heat exchangers, and consumables for water purification are expensive.
Passing through the pipeline at a flow rate of 1.2 to 5 m3/h, the water is already purified.
Excesses of manganese and iron, which can cause clogging and reduce the efficiency of the heat exchange process, are controlled. Water, passing through a coarse filter and heat exchanger, does not heat up and does not interact with oxygen, and therefore does not form sediment.
Filtration helps purify water.
Consumables for the coarse filter are not expensive and are freely available.
Objection 7
The use of TN is only for low-rise buildings.
It is a prejudice that heat pumps using a water well cannot be used for industrial and warehouse premises or for tall buildings. Allegedly, the existing heat pump power loses its efficiency after water is raised from a depth of 100 m.
Taking thermal energy from a deep well - yes.
It is capable of supplying heat only to low-rise buildings. However, it is possible to take water for the circuit from an open reservoir. In this case, the efficiency of the heat pump increases significantly.
Conclusion: A domestic heat pump using water from a well can be considered the most relevant and effective device for private low-rise housing construction, industrial facilities and fairly large residential complexes. When using groundwater, the efficiency of the conversion factor (COP) can reach 5, which allows the production of an additional 3-4 kW of thermal energy.
Example: heat pumps Ovanter Premium class.
A heat pump is a natural source of thermal energy with beneficial economic and environmental qualities, different and independent from traditional types of heating.
The choice of a heat pump with a specific cycle, in our case it is water, is based on calculations when creating a feasibility project and the possibility of making full use of the provided environmental conditions.
The most suitable option for heating large quantities of water are pool heat pumps.
This is due to the fact that such equipment is characterized by a high degree of efficiency, as well as the possibility of saving energy and thus a means of obtaining them.
- A little about naming
- The principle of operation of the device and operation
- Equipment selection criteria
- Popular models
- Expert advice
More about the meeting
Heat pumps for heating a pool are an energy-efficient option.
When using electric heaters and water-based heat exchangers, there is a significant energy consumption, which is often a problem because it is not possible to provide sufficient power. In addition, there is another problem - high energy tariffs, which can become an important barrier.
This is a completely different matter - heat pumps for heating a pool, which freely transfer heat from a natural source, water, soil or air, to the final destination - water in any type of pool (open or closed).
Enjoy the video, scope of application:
The ability to save money to maintain a facility in this case is a consequence of the ability of such devices to generate a sufficiently large amount of heat compared to the cost of energy consumption.
Today, consumers use this type of equipment to solve various problems: organizing air conditioning, heating and hot water supply.
Heat pumps for heating a swimming pool can be successfully used in domestic conditions (in private homes) and for servicing civil facilities (sports complexes with a swimming pool, etc.).
Form and basis of work
Heat pumps cannot only heat water automatically, but also maintain a certain temperature, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the building.
Heating a pool using a conventional heat pump is carried out exactly the same principle on which the operation of a similar device is based, but it is designed to operate a heating system.
Heat is transferred to the consumer from a primary source: water, soil, air.
The advantage of this device is the ability to heat the pool throughout the year, since groundwater and deep soil layers have a constant temperature regardless of the season. A pool heat pump removes heat from the primary source using a special element - a collector, which must have excellent heat transfer properties.
This unit is equipped with a special type of substance containing ethylene glycol or antifreeze, the main quality of which is the ability to absorb heat with a minimum temperature difference.
An essential component of such devices is a refrigerant that circulates through the system, alternating between gas and then liquid under the influence of pressure and temperature.
The pool heat pump transfers the collected heat further through the circuit through the compressor, where a gaseous substance is injected, accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature.
This heat is supplied to the secondary heat exchanger, which is the last connection in the energy transfer chain in the pool.
How to choose a heat pump
Each equipment requires careful selection, since only the correct parameters of the device corresponding to the operating conditions can ensure long-term operation of the equipment without the need for repairs.
A heat pump for heating a swimming pool is no exception and must be selected according to the following characteristics:
- execution of the unit taking into account the tasks that it intends to solve with its help;
- Based on this, the degree of productivity of the base material from which the heat pump should be built to heat the pool is determined, for example, for an efficiency of 30 cubic meters.
Prices and descriptions of heat pumps for heating houses
m/h, plastic is enough, in other cases metal analogues are used;
- the ability to replace basic elements as necessary, it is advisable to take into account the risk of defects, as well as ways to eliminate them;
- presence and type of filtration system;
- A pool heating heat pump can also have additional functions (pest control, cooling, outlet water heating).
The effectiveness of such equipment is obvious if the device model has been correctly selected and is capable of transmitting the loads to which they are loaded.
Popular models
If the pool volume does not exceed 15 cubic meters.
m, and then a fairly compact version of medium performance - Azuro BP 30WS. If you choose such a pool heat pump, its price will be more than affordable (56,000 rubles).
Here, as with the other method of use, the rule is that the higher the efficiency of the device, the higher its electrical parameters at a cost, the higher the cost.
This model consumes only 0.6 kW, and the thermal power is almost five times higher - 3 kW.
A much more effective method is the French manufacturer Zodiac PowerFirst Premium 15MD pool heating pump.
Its cost is 320,000 rubles, but due to the electrical parameters, a high degree of savings is obvious when using this model. Energy consumption corresponds to 3.6 kW, and thermal power - 15.7 kW.
Equipment operating on a different basis (air water) has the average performance of another manufacturer (Termonasos) at an affordable price - 76,000 rubles with a rated power of 1.5 kW and a thermal equivalent of 7.5 kW.
In addition, Brilix XHP 60 is not more expensive (78,000 rubles). When working with the following parameters: rated power - 0.8 kW, thermal power - 5 kW.
The heat pump for heating the pool of this model is used for an amount of water not exceeding 20 cubic meters.
terms of Use
Depending on the efficiency of the equipment, the manufacturer may recommend specific operating conditions for the selected model. For example, it is often necessary to install a pump above the water level of a swimming pool to improve the efficiency of the device. It is advisable to operate the device at acceptable ambient and pool water temperatures (before starting the pump).
The degree of humidity in the immediate vicinity of the equipment is also taken into account.
For long-term operation of the device, it is necessary to take into account the basic requirements: to obtain power suitable for special conditions; Make sure the heat pump is not heavily overloaded for a long time.
Such pool heat pumps provide significant energy savings, which do not affect the efficiency of such equipment at all.
To make a successful choice, it is enough to associate the device parameters with the conditions in which it will operate.
For example, the rated and thermal power, the electrical parameters of the device and the electrical network, and the estimated amount of water to be heated are taken into account.
More expensive equipment is designed to service larger devices. The main components of such devices are made of particularly strong metals (titanium). Regular maintenance of this type of equipment will further extend the service life, and above all we are talking about the filtration system.
Air-to-water heat pumps belong to the group of aerothermal structures. They provide heating of the coolant in the heating system of the house, the source of thermal energy for which is the outside air. It is also possible to supply water for the domestic hot water system.
A feature of air-water systems is the strong dependence of the coolant temperatures in the heating system on the temperature of the source - the outside air. The effectiveness of such equipment is constantly changing both seasonally and in weather conditions. This reveals a significant difference between aerothermal systems and systems, whose operation is stable throughout its entire service life and does not depend on external conditions.
In addition, air-to-water heat pumps are capable of both heating and cooling indoor air, which makes them popular in regions with relatively cold winters and hot summers. In general, the use of such systems is most effective in relatively warm areas, and for northern regions additional heating means are required (usually used).
How do air-to-water heat pumps work?
The operation of an air-to-water heat pump is based on based on Carnot's principle. In more understandable terms, freon refrigerator design is used. The refrigerant (freon) circulates in a closed system, passing through the following stages:
- evaporation accompanied by strong cooling
- heating from the heat of incoming outside air
- strong compression, at which its temperature becomes high
- condensation with transition to a liquid state
- passage through the throttle with a sharp drop in pressure and evaporation
For normal refrigerant circulation it is necessary to have two compartments - evaporator and condenser. In the first, the temperature is low (negative); thermal energy from the ambient air is used for heating. The second compartment serves to condense the refrigerant and transfer thermal energy to the coolant of the heating system.
In fact, a heat pump consists of two heat exchangers, interconnected and together providing a continuous Carnot cycle - gas compression with transition to the liquid phase with the release of a large amount of heat and its expansion with evaporation and cooling.
The role of the air coming from outside is to transfer heat to the evaporator, where the temperature is very low and requires an increase for the upcoming compression. Thermal energy of the air is available even at subzero temperatures and persists until the temperature drops to absolute zero. Low-potential sources of thermal energy make it possible to obtain high system efficiency, but when the outside temperature drops significantly to -20°C or -25°C, the system stops and requires the connection of an additional heating source.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages air-to-water heat pumps are:
- easy installation, no excavation work
- The source of thermal energy - air - is available everywhere, it is accessible and completely free. The system only requires power supply for the circulation equipment, compressor and fan
- the heat pump can be structurally combined with ventilation, which can significantly increase the efficiency of both systems
- The heating system is environmentally friendly and not hazardous in operation
- the system operates almost silently and can be controlled using automation systems
Disadvantages air-to-water heat pumps are:
- limited application. Household HP models require the connection of additional heating systems already at -7°C, industrial models are capable of maintaining temperatures down to -25°C, which is too low for most regions of Russia
- the dependence of the system efficiency on the outside air temperature makes the system operation unstable and requires constant reconfiguration of operating modes
- To power fans, compressors and other devices, a connection to a stable power source is required
When planning the use of such a heating and hot water system, it is necessary to take these features into account.
Installation power calculation
The procedure for calculating the power of an installation comes down to determining the area of the house to be heated, calculating the required amount of thermal energy and selecting equipment that corresponds to the obtained values. There is no point in presenting a detailed calculation methodology, since it is extremely complex and requires knowledge of many parameters, coefficients and other values. In addition, you need experience in performing such calculations, otherwise the result will be completely erroneous.
To solve the problem, it is recommended to use an online calculator found on the Internet. It’s easy to use; you just need to enter your data in the boxes and get an answer. If in doubt, the calculation can be duplicated on another resource to obtain balanced data.
What to buy - top 5 best pumps
Purchasing a heat pump is an important and responsible procedure. It is possible to give any recommendations in this area only if you have specific information about the size of the house, the material of the walls, the degree of insulation, the configuration of the premises, the type of heating system, etc. Without this data, it is pointless to talk about the best pumps. However, we can consider the most well-known manufacturers who supply high-quality equipment to the market and are leaders in this field:
ALTAL GRUP
The company is based in Ukraine, Russia and Moldova. Equipment production is focused on the conditions of Russian regions and can be used in harsh conditions
NIBE Industry AB
The Swedish company has been on the market since 1949 and is rightfully a leader in its field. Production is carried out according to the most advanced developments, the best materials and components are used
Viessmann Group
One of the oldest European companies - the company's foundation dates back to 1928. German specialists have gained extensive experience and achieved the highest quality of their products
OCHSNER
An Austrian company that was one of the first to begin serial production of heat pumps and has received recognition from users due to the quality, reliability and durability of the equipment
Heliotherm
Another Austrian company producing heat pumps and other equipment. Products are sold in Europe, high quality, reliability and wide functionality of heating systems are noted
In addition to European ones, common complexes from China and other countries of Southeast Asia. They are cheaper, have fairly high performance, but in general terms they lag somewhat behind European models. Their only advantage is the price, although the costs of such equipment are in any case very high. If we take into account that the matter is not limited to installing a heat pump, it is necessary to adjust the entire heating system to the capabilities of the complex, then the costs become comparable to the cost of building a house.
In Russian conditions, the optimal choice is to purchase bivalent systems, which allow switching to other heat sources when difficult conditions arise.
Important! Most experts agree that for most regions of Russia, the use of air-to-water heat pumps is impractical due to extremely difficult winter conditions. System power drops sharply as the temperature drops. In addition, external air units will not be able to work in cold weather.
Installation cost
Installation and commissioning work is carried out at different prices, depending on the scope of work, the equipment and machinery used, volumes and other factors. An equally important circumstance is the general economic situation in the region and the state of the purchasing power of the population.
In any case, the costs of installing and running the system will require approximately 20% of the total equipment cost, which will significantly affect the user’s wallet.
The high cost of installation work often becomes the reason for installing and launching the system yourself, which makes minor repairs and maintenance possible without the involvement of specialists. However, it must be borne in mind that many companies refuse warranty or service if the installation was carried out by strangers.
DIY air heat pump
The high cost of equipment, installation work and maintenance forces many home owners to independently manufacture air-to-water heat pumps. This activity is quite labor-intensive and requires skills, but the result allows you to save a lot of money and gain valuable experience in creating heating systems. Let's consider the main stages of creating a heat pump:
Assembly of the unit according to the diagram
First of all, you need to stock up on the main components of the system:
- compressor from a refrigerator or split system
- copper tubes with a diameter of about 1 cm, adapters and fittings for them
- containers for creating heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser)
- throttle valve
- freon
- fasteners, connecting parts, etc.
You will need a torch for soldering copper tubes, a set of appropriate tools and materials. To manufacture a heat pump, you will need a diagram or working drawing that allows you to think through the work in more detail and assemble all the necessary components and parts. Most of them will have to be purchased, but these costs cannot be compared with the costs of purchasing a ready-made kit.
Assembling the outdoor unit
Outdoor unit provides air intake and supply to the evaporator. To perform these operations, you will need a housing and a fan connected to the duct that transports the air flow to the heat pump evaporator. Some craftsmen install the evaporator in the outdoor unit, thereby shortening the transportation route. This is convenient and increases the compactness of the complex, but this option is not always possible. The fact is that the freon in the evaporator has a very low temperature; in winter, the energy of the outside air is not enough to give a sufficient heat impulse to the refrigerant.
Block with heat exchanger-evaporator
The evaporator unit is a metal container with a volume of 80 liters, a copper tube with a diameter of 10 mm with a wall thickness of 1 mm or more. A coil is made from a tube - a piece of pipe or other cylindrical object is wrapped so that the finished spiral from the tube fits freely into the tank. The length of the tube will have to be calculated for a 5 kW installation you will need 10 m.
The coil is equipped with two outlets for connection to the rest of the system circuit. The bends are passed through fittings in the wall of the container and seal the passages to ensure the immobility of the coil. It is recommended to install additional fasteners inside the tank to firmly fix the coil and eliminate the possibility of vibration or movement.
The temperature inside the container will be very low. In order to eliminate the possibility of the tube freezing due to condensate, experts advise install a dehumidifier or defrost relay.
Compressor installation rules
It is recommended to make a separate sound-insulated housing for the compressor. This will help ensure almost complete silent operation of the complex. The compressor inlet is connected to the outlet pipe of the evaporator, and the outlet is connected to the inlet of the condenser (second heat exchanger). The following types of compressors can be used:
- rotary. Inexpensive but noisy devices with low resource
- spiral. Quiet, durable and efficient samples, but have a high price
- piston They have a long service life, high power, and are used primarily in industrial refrigeration equipment. The price of such devices is the highest
Design of a storage tank (capacitor)
Capacitor design similar to an evaporator, but requires sealing, since there will be not air inside, but the coolant of the heating system. You will need a tank with a capacity of 100 liters (a ready-made one from a boiler or any other one with the same volume will do). In the upper and lower parts of the tank, it is necessary to install fittings for the flow of coolant (water), and holes for the passage of a copper tube will also be needed there.
A coil is made, the diameter of the spiral should be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tank. For making a coil you will need 12 meters of tube with a diameter of at least 26 mm. The ends are brought out into the holes of the housing, after which the outlets are carefully soldered and sealed.
To install the coil, the tank will have to be cut lengthwise; after fastening, the halves are welded or connected in another way to ensure complete tightness. The result is a container through which a copper coil passes, whose internal volume is not connected to the volume of the tank. There are two fittings leading inside the container - inlet and outlet, through which the coolant will circulate.
Connecting the outdoor unit to the evaporator
To connect the evaporator to the external unit It is recommended to use low-density polyethylene pipes with a diameter of 32 mm. One is used for air supply, the other for exhaust. It is recommended to insulate the pipes, bury them in a trench or protect them in any other way. You can leave them in the open air or on the ground if the outdoor unit is located next to the house.
Connection of evaporator, compressor and tank
The copper tubes are connected by soldering. Experience is needed here; if you don’t have it, then you need to invite a refrigeration specialist who deals with industrial installations. People involved in the installation of plumbing systems and plumbing, although they solder copper, are not competent here, since they will need to install various shut-off valves, valves, adapters and other elements.
To do this, you need the appropriate tool, knowledge of the rules and subtleties of installing refrigeration equipment. In addition, you will need to charge the system with freon, which will also require the installation of the appropriate elements and the presence of an experienced specialist.
Implementation of plant control systems
Various elements can be used to monitor and control the operating mode of the heat pump:
- a board with electronics and a display from the air conditioner, allowing you to regulate the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant
- fan rotation sensor that changes the air flow speed and regulates heat exchange in the evaporator
- timer, temperature sensors, starters and other controls
Using these devices will allow you to optimally configure the operation of the heat pump and adjust it as necessary.
Today, a water-to-air heat pump is a very useful and convenient means of heating your home. It can easily heat a room using outside air, even cold air.
There are several types of such equipment, which in most cases are intended for use in private homes. But we will also look at a pump that is very easy and possible to install in office and residential areas where there is not a large enough space to accommodate the equipment.
Air-to-water heat pump
In order to be able to use the energy that surrounds us everywhere, they came up with a unit called a heat pump. They work according to a system called the inverse Carnot principle. Air conditioners and refrigeration units also operate on this principle.
The principle of operation of the pump is as follows: air from outside enters inside through a fan, which is located outside. Then it passes into the next part - the evaporator. There is a substance that is necessary to heat the air. Freon gas is usually used.
It is also common in refrigeration equipment. This substance, the refrigerant, is located inside a serpentine copper pipe at the bottom of the evaporator. During the heating process, the refrigerant evaporates and enters the next part of the installation - the condenser. There, the substance passes from a gaseous state to a liquid, during which a lot of heat is released, which helps to heat the room.
This process occurs constantly in a circle and due to the circulation of freon, the air in your home is constantly recycled.
Heating with air-to-water heat pump
The fan can be placed either on the wall of the house or in the area adjacent to the house. But it is worth considering that there must be excellent air circulation in any case.
It is not recommended to use such a pump if you have conventional radiators in your house. They are best combined with an air system or a “warm floor” system. At the same time, it will help you save money because you will spend less on heating with a traditional system.
Heat pumps air water reviews and benefits
The unit has many advantages, among them the following can be noted:
- heating of the air in the room occurs at any time and at any temperature, even if it is negative. At the same time, there is no need to spend additional money on fuel, since air is an accessible and free means.
- This type of pump is easy to install. You can make such a system with your own hands without any problems. In this case, you do not need to spend a lot of effort drilling, concreting or making trenches.
- significant savings on the equipment itself. You can make a pump by spending much less money on it than if you buy another similar type of system in a store.
- Ease and noiselessness of the installation.
- Possibility of automatic system control.
An air-to-water pump is very convenient because you do not need to install pipes through which air can move. You just need to install the fan, having first covered its blades with a grill.
But when choosing such equipment, you need to take into account some disadvantages: it is best to use such a system in places where the winter is not very severe, because at sub-zero temperatures (below 6-7 degrees) the pump may malfunction. Electricity is also required to ensure the operation of such a pump. But even compared to spending on electricity, you will save much more than using gas or other types of electric heaters.
DIY air water heat pump
Now let's see how you can assemble the pump yourself.
It is usually quite difficult to make a compressor yourself, so you need to take a ready-made one. If purchasing it in a store is too expensive for you, then you can use a compressor that is on a split system. This pump has excellent characteristics, best suited for our installation. We will also need two large tanks: one plastic and the other metal. And you will also need to make two serpentine structures from a copper pipe. The refrigerant will move through them.
You can make them into a spiral by twisting them onto a cylindrical object. You will place one coil in the condenser (steel tank), and the second in the evaporator - respectively, in a plastic barrel. Well, additional parts will be needed: a drain valve, adapters and brackets, refrigerant and electrodes.
Please also note that when connecting the device, a large current is required.
After installing the coils, you need to weld the steel tank and connect the components into a common system. In order to run freon into a copper pipe and at the same time check the functionality of the structure, you need to use the services of a refrigeration equipment specialist.
Before putting the pump into operation, it is worth determining how much power you need. To avoid additional expenses, do not make the pump more powerful than you need.
To do this, you can use the services of specialists who have special programs for calculating power, or you can calculate it yourself - on special websites.
It is also premature to take care of insulating your home, because the winter air temperature in the house will depend on this. And savings on heating supplies will also depend.
