Types Of Heat Pumps

The heat pump includes the complete process from the absorption of environmental energy by the refrigerant to the delivery to the heating water. However, the first process steps vary depending on the type of heat source used. These heat pumps can be seen in https://www.wolfersheating.com/heating/heat-pumps/ amongst others, but first here are the different types of heat pumps

Air Water Heat Pump

The energy source of the air/water heat pump is the outside air. It is particularly subject to seasonal fluctuations. Unfortunately, the outside temperatures are usually at their lowest, precisely when there is the greatest heating demand. Modern air heat pumps solve this conflict through sophisticated technology.

In contrast to the soil or groundwater, the air can be sucked in and blown out again with minimal effort. The fact that the air/water heat pump is so uncomplicated and comparatively inexpensive makes it particularly popular. Even if it is usually a little less efficient than the other types of heat pumps, it converts the environmental energy very well into usable heat.

Brine/Water Heat Pump

Geothermal heat pumps use the heat from the ground and require more extensive installation work. Depending on the location, you can choose between geothermal collectors, the depth of which is at least below the frost line, and deep boreholes of up to 100 meters. Temperatures rise with increasing depth: if 10 ° C is ten meters deep, it is already 12 ° C at 100 meters. It is not the refrigerant that flows through the collectors’ pipes but the brine that gives it its name – a frost-proof liquid. The heat then passes from it to the refrigerant.

Water/Water Heat Pump

Groundwater has the best properties as a heat source: its temperatures remain stable throughout the year and at a high level between 8 ° C and 12 ° C. But tapping this potential has its price: To do this, you have to have two wells drilled into the ground: a so-called suction well through which the water reaches the top and drainage well for its return. Also, drilling this deep is not permitted in all regions.

Air-To-Air Heat Pump

The air-to-air heat pump differs most clearly from all other types of heat pumps. It is only used as the main heat generator in buildings with a very low heat requirement and a ventilation system. It usually does not draw in outside air but uses the exhaust air from the ventilation system as a heat source.

The different types of heat pumps can be defined based on many other criteria. Not all of them are electric-powered compression heat pumps; the market also offers gas-powered variants. There are also so-called hot water heat pumps. They use the outside air or, for example, the warm exhaust air from a gas or oil heating system to supply heat to the drinking water storage tank and can be seen in https://www.wolfersheating.com/heat-pumps-beaverton-or/.