Heat Pump Overview

Overview of Heat Pumps

• A heat pump transfers heat energy from a cold source to a hot source.

Cold and Hot Sources

• A cold source is the medium from which energy is extracted.
• Aerothermal energy uses air as the cold source.
• Aquathermal energy uses water (e.g., groundwater, lake, or river) as the cold source.
• Geothermal energy uses the ground as the cold source.
• Hot sources are where the energy is released.
• Energy is often released directly into the air through wall units, fan coil units, or ceiling panels.
• Energy can be released into water through a coil in the floor (underfloor heating) or into low or high-temperature radiators.

Thermodynamic Principles

• Heat pumps operate based on fluid evaporation and condensation.
• Fluid evaporation results in energy absorption.
• Fluid condensation results in energy release.

Components of a Heat Pump

• Key components of a heat pump include:
  • Compressor
  • Condenser
  • Expansion valve (detenteur)
  • Evaporator

Functioning of Each Component

• Compressor:
  • Aspirates low-pressure, low-temperature gas from the evaporator.
  • Mechanical energy increases pressure and temperature.
  • Compressing air generates heat.
  • Divides the circuit into high-pressure and low-pressure sides.
  • Creates a pressure difference to circulate the fluid.
• Condenser:
  • Heat exchanger facilitating condensation (vapor to liquid).
  • Fluid enters as vapor and exits as liquid.
  • Heat from compression is higher than the temperature of the hot source (air or water).
  • Allows energy transfer.
• Expansion Valve:
  • Reduces pressure to partially vaporize the fluid.
  • Fluid enters as liquid and passes through a small calibrated opening.
  • Partial vaporization prepares the fluid for evaporation.
• Evaporator:
  • Functions as a heat exchanger.
  • Fluid enters mainly as liquid from the expansion valve.
  • Absorbs heat from the external fluid (air, water, or soil).
  • Heat from the external fluid is higher than the evaporation temperature.
  • The temperature differential facilitates energy transfer.