A Heat Pump is an environmental energy technology that extracts heat from solar-derived sources (ground, water, air) where it is freely available in large quantities at a low temperature and upgrades it to a higher temperature releasing it where and when required..
It can reduce our energy consumption by more than 60%, with a payback period of around five years on additional equipment cost. Though Heat pumps are generally more expensive to install than conventional heating systems, the extra cost for the initial investment is fast recovered by the energy savings, between the year three and eight if you compare with an oil boiler. Every unit of electricity that is used to operate the heat pump generates more than four units of heat. For a comparison Sweden which has over 30,000 heat pump installed Ireland has only in excess of 1000 ground, water and air source heat pumps are in operation. So this technology is waiting to take off in Ireland which will happen in a couple of year’s time.
The Principle behind the Heat Pump
A fluid (working fluid) with a low boiling point than the heat source temperature serves as a medium for transfer of energy. As the working fluid extracts the heat from the source through a heat exchanger, its temperature rise and it evaporates. A compressor compresses the evaporated fluid which raises the pressure and the temperature of the vaporised liquid. This heat is transferred through heat exchanger from the evaporated fluid to the heat distribution fluid (water or air) in the condenser. As it releases its heat, the working fluid temperature decreases to such a degree that it condenses. After passing through the expansion valve, the fluid regains its initial liquid, low-temperature and low pressure state. It then flows back to the evaporator where the process starts all over again.
Thanks the Techstore Team
