Heat Pump & DX Cycle
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Heat Pumps are a major contributor to Net Zero target, as it uses natural energy in the ambient air, ground & water, when using electricity4
1 What is a Heat Pump?
(Also known as Reverse (heating or cooling) DX Cycle, or a Vapor Compression Refrigeration System (VCRS).)
A Heat Pump is a highly efficent4sealed DX (Direct Expansion) Cycle2 that comprises of a Compressor, an Evaporator a Condenser and an Expansion Device.
It uses refrigerants as a circulating media to transfer energy (heat) from outside to inside (heating) or from inside to outside (cooling).
DX Cycle - Heating
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DX Cycle - Cooling
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2 What is a refrigerant DX (Direct Expansion) Cycle?
DX (Direct Expansion) Cycle2 that comprises of:
a Compressor, an Evaporator a Condenser and an Expansion Device.
The refrigerant DX Cycle (also known as Vapor Compression Refrigeration System - VCRS), Is a closed & sealed circuit and has been around for over 200 years.
Domestic (DHW)
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The DX cycle utilising refrigerant is used in all types of:
A DX cycle utilising refrigerant can be:
Configeration of Systems:
Did you know? In a DX cycle Heat Pump, Heating Capacity is more than Cooling Capacity? Why refrigerant? |
3 Types of Heat Pump systems
- Air to Air systems, (most common, efficient & cost effective), Splits, Multi Splits, VRF, Roof Top,etc)
- Air to Water, Domestic Heat Pumps, Air cooled chillers. Evaporator in the air, condenser in water & visa versa.
- Water to Water, Water cooled chiller/heat pump (both evaporator & condenser immersed in water)
- Ground to Air, Splits, VRF (reverse cycle Heating & Cooling) Evaporator in ground, condenser in air & visa versa.
- Ground to Water. Ground Source Heat Pumps. evaporator in ground, condenser in water & visa versa.
4 Advantages of DX Cycle
A - Energy Efficency due to Refrigerants
Efficiency of DX cycle = Energy transferred / Energy used by the process
The efficiency of cooling EER- (Energy Efficiency Ratio) cycle or heating cycle COP - (Coefficient Of Performance) can range anything between 250% or (2.5/1) ratio to 500% or (5/1) ratio (that is for every energy unit, [say1 kW] electricity consumed, up to 5 kW can be absorbed from inside (unwanted heat) to be rejected outside - (cooling), or absorbed from outside (air, water or ground) and transferred to inside (heating) to heat a) occupied spaces or b) domestic hot water. These efficiencies (EER & COP) are based on a fixed ambient conditions (called Nominal Capacities).
There are seasonal efficiencies (SEER & SCOP) which are more accurately relates variable ambient conditions and hours of operation.
For example in the UK (considered as mild weather), the SEER can reach 700% or (7/1) ratio while SCOP can be 800% or (8/1) ratio, compared to 85% or (0.85/1) ratio for a gas or oil boilers. Hence a heat pump is a "major contributor to Net Zero target"
B - Advantages over fossile fuel systems (Natural Gas or Oil or Coal):
a) No extra safety systems - Gas detectors, fire/smoke alarm, extra ventilation (provided the refrigerant is A1 class non-flammable),
b) No chimneys,hence no local pollution
c) No Natural Gas supply,
d) No fuel storage (oil),
e) Less builder’s work,
f) Normal electrical supplies (domestic).
g) No network (gas) installation, maintenance, repair or fire safety
h) No supply (oil, gas in rural areas or coal) logistics & costs
i) No import or supply security risks associated with imports of fossil fuels.
Location of outdoor units can be as far as 100 meters away from indoor units in an Air to Air split systems.
C- Check if Heat Pump is suitable for your home