An Overview of a Heat Pump

A heat pump is an environmentally friendly option that creates energy by extracting heat from outside sources such as air, water, and the earth. These resources are available for free and in large quantities. The heat pump acquires these resources at relatively low temperatures and increases the temperature to the desired level before releasing it to the ventilation system. A heat pump has the ability to reduce the energy consumed by 60% or more over five years versus other energy sources.

The initial cost to install a heat pump will be much higher than other, more commonly used heating devices; however, the extra money invested initially will quickly be gained back in monthly energy savings. For example, the savings versus that of an oil boiler will be recognized somewhere between year three and year eight. One benefit to the heat pump is its ability to regenerate units of electricity. To further explain this, the heat pump will utilize one unit of electricity during its operation, but in return, it generates 4 units of heat. Sweden is already utilizing this rapidly growing technology, to the tune of 30,000 units already installed.

The heat pump uses working fluids that have lower boiler point than the temperature of the heat source. This also works as a way to transfer the energy. The working fluid will take heat from the source through the use of a heat exchanger. This will cause its temperature to rise and then it will evaporate. A compressor is then used to compress the fluid that was evaporated. The added pressure raises the temperature of the liquid vapor.

The extra heat from the pressurized liquid vapor is passed back through the heat exchanger where the heat is transmitted to the fluid or air that will be used as a means of distribution. Once the heat is removed from the vapor, it will once again condense and then will move through an expansion valve. At this point it will once again be in a low-temperature, liquid, low pressure state. It will return to the evaporator and the process will begin again.

About the Author: John Mahoney is an expert on reviewing renewable energy equipments and technology.

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