How a air-water heat pump works
A air-water heat pump Extracts heat from the external air to transfer it to the water that makes the heating or sanitary system work. The thermodynamic cycle uses a refrigerant fluid which, compressing and expanding, allows the transfer of thermal energy even at low external temperatures.
The key indicators to evaluate their performance are the performance coefficient (COP) e seasonal efficiency (Scop): The higher they are, the efficient the system is. Compared to traditional combustion systems, in fact, The heat pump does not generate heat but transfers itwith higher potential efficiency, especially in favorable conditions.
Why propose an air-water heat pump
The installation of an air-water heat pump should always be evaluated because it represents one Solution consistent with the needs of contemporary construction: allows the designer to stand out for competence and attention to sustainability, as well as to offer the end customer a modern system, safe and ready for the future. A heat pump, in fact:
- does not produce heat, but transfers it: for each electrical kWh consummated, it can generate up to 3-5 kwh thermal kWhs (high cop/scops). This translates into a clearly higher performance than traditional systems;
- does not use fossil fuelsTherefore No exhaust fumes, flues or local emissions. Ideal for NZEB buildings or projects with environmental sustainability objectives;
- In a context in which you are increasingly aimed at electricity, it allows you to abandon gas and to exploit energy from renewable source, especially if combined with a photovoltaic system;
- enjoys state incentives which significantly resize the initial investment. In addition, in the field of energy restructuring it is often central to obtain the energy class leap;
- compared to other technologies (e.g. geothermal), does not require perforations or complex technical spaces. The heat pumps are modular, often reversible (heat and cool) and also installed in retrofit;
- There are no free flamesgas valves or risks of carbon monoxide escape. There maintenance is simplerand compared to a traditional boiler;
The limits of heat pumps
The theoretical efficiency of the heat pump is reduced to the practice. The return decreases to abbite the external temperature, a feature that risks making the system, if it has not been designed and sized correctly, less performing precisely in the periods of greater thermal request.
In addition, the effectiveness strongly depends on the thermal inertia of the building and the type of distribution system: i low temperature systems (radiant floor) are ideal, while traditional radiators, especially if in cast iron and large, can compromise the overall efficiency in significant sizes.
From this it follows that, in the design and sizing phase of an air-water heat pump, some must be faced Operating challenges:
- in Particularly rigid climatesefficiency could be reduced, but it is possible to avoid this problem with the adoption of complementary solutionsas electrical backup resistances or integration with other heat sources;
- there choice of the right components and a accurate sizing of the distribution plant are essential to optimize performance and reduce management costs;
- Although heat pumps require a considerable quantity of electricity to worka well -designed photovoltaic system, combined with an accumulation systemcan significantly reduce the impact on bills.
Integration with photovoltaic system: system advantages and logic
Combination with a photovoltaic system allows you to feed the heat pump with self -produced energy and:
- reduce significantly i operating costs And save in the long run;
- electrify consumption efficiently e Reduce the environmental impact;
- increase self -consumption and energy independence of the house.
The plant can also be completed with a Electric storage systemcapable of storing the energy produced in excess during the day to be able to use it in the evening or night hours, to increase autonomy and reduce dependence on the network.
The use of Intelligent inverters And Energy management systems It also allows you to further optimize self -consumption and monitor performance in real time. On the economic level, if the requirements are complied with, the integration will also allow to access interesting tax incentives, such as the Thermal account 3.0and to drastically reduce costs in the bill.
The role of integrated design
In summary, the best results are obtained in well -insulated buildings, equipped with radiant systems And located in temperate climatic zones. In these contexts, the system can guarantee high overall efficiency, thermal comfort and reduced management costs.
For example, in a single -family house with 6 kWp of photovoltaic, 8 kW heat pump and 10 kWh storage, you can reach self -consumption rates above 60% and a significant reduction in annual energy costs.
In order for the synergy between photovoltaics and heat pump to bear fruit, it is therefore essential to adopt a Integrated design approach: an accurate design and a professional execution are the key elements to transform this technology into An efficient and sustainable investment. For this reason, reality such as Sva Solar are specialized precisely in the construction of integrated systems, which analyze all the variables and present the customer a turnkey solution tailored to the basis of his needs.
