How does a commercial heat pump work?

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As we have seen recently, the conversation around renewable energy solutions and efficient heating methods is gaining momentum. This has led to an increased interest in commercial heat pump technology for both domestic hot water production and heating. The rising demand for air source heat pumps has stimulated numerous inquiries from gas installers, consultants, large-scale commercial users, and the public alike. Questions about air source heat pump efficiency, installation procedures, and overall effectiveness abound!

In this blog, our Head of Technical, Peter Seddon, will delve into the fundamental question of how exactly does a commercial heat pump work? What are the core components, and how do they integrate to create a functional heat pump system?

Commercial heat pumps function similarly to various household appliances.

A commercial heat pump operates on principles akin to those of a standard refrigerator. A refrigerator extracts heat from inside its cabinet and releases it into the surrounding space. Conversely, a heat pump is installed externally, drawing heat from the ambient air and transferring the generated heat into a water system.

What are the essential components of a commercial heat pump?

A heat pump comprises four primary components within what is known as the refrigerant circuit.

These components include:

1. The Compressor.

The compressor moves gaseous refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit, accompanied by a heat exchanger that extracts heat from the external source. This heat is then conveyed to a heat sink using another heat exchanger.

     2. The Condenser.

The condenser acts as a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the hot compressed gas into water without direct contact. As a significant portion of heat is extracted, the gas transitions from a gaseous state to a liquid, albeit still at high pressure.

     3. The Expansion Device

This device lowers the refrigerant pressure, allowing it to change state at reduced temperatures – a critical aspect of the process.

     4. The Evaporator.

The evaporator initiates the whole cycle over again and serves as another heat exchanger. It uses a fan to draw air across the evaporator, allowing the refrigerant to revert to a low-pressure gas, thus prepping it for re-entry into the compressor. This cycle continues iteratively.

There are additional essential components within the heat pump that contribute significantly to its operation and overall heat pump efficiency, including thermistors for refrigerant temperature monitoring and a control board to ensure the desired output is obtained.

Commercial heat pumps are capable of transferring heat even at sub-zero temperatures, with air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps able to generate heat at outdoor ambient temperatures as low as -20°C. Conversely, they can also produce heat at exceedingly high temperatures due to the low boiling point of the refrigerant gases.

Generally, commercial heat pumps consume less energy for operation compared to the heat energy they output, demonstrating impressive efficiency. Nonetheless, substantial temperature lifts for commercial water heating or space heating can create challenges (Temperature lift = difference between outdoor air temperature and delivered heat temperature inside). Therefore, many heat pumps perform optimally with low-temperature heat distribution systems (e.g., underfloor heating), and their performance can decline when tasked with supplying heat at elevated temperatures for standard domestic hot water.

To explore the full range of Commercial Air Source Heat Pumps offered by Forlssman, please visit our website.

In conclusion, the workings of commercial heat pumps resemble those of domestic heat pump models and other household appliances. With competitive pricing and timely delivery, we at Forlssman aim to be your trusted supplier and partner.