Heat pumps

Energy saving and renewable energy in vocational education

2 Heat pumps
Content

1 Energy consumption and renewable sources 5

1.1 Energy demand of present days 5
1.2 Energy of our surroundings 8
1.3 Heat transfer advantages 10

2 Heat pump 13
2.1 Heat pump function 13
2.2 Basic principle 13
2.3 Parameters 15
2.4 Operating modes 16
2.5 Heat pump types 18
2.5.1 Air-to water heat pump 18
2.5.2 Water-to-water heat pump 19
2.5.3 Ground-to-water heat pump 20

3 Basic heat pump components 25

3.1 Compressor 25
3.2 Condenser 28
3.3 Expansion valve 29
3.4 Evaporator 31
3.5 Coolant 31
3.6 Other components 32

4 Heat pump in a detached house 37

4.1 Funding and choosing the contractor 37
4.2 Sizing the heat pump 39
4.3 Choosing the primary source 39

5 Present state and outlook of heat pumps 41

6 Questions 43

7 Glossary of terms 49

8 Teacher’s handbook 53
8.1 Introduction 53
8.2 Course description 53
8.3 Course objectives 54
8.4 Course outline 54
8.5 Media 54
8.6 Instructor feedback 55
8.7 Conventions used 55
8.8 Sources 55
8.9 Questions and answer 56

Heat pumps 3
4 Heat pumps
 1 Energy consumption and renewable
sources

1.1 Energy demand of present days

Since the very beginning mankind has needed energy to meet its
needs. Sunshine and geothermal energy of our planet’s core are the
original sources of almost all energy on the earth. Use of water force,
wind and burning wood has follows man since the early days. Fast gro-
wing development of our civilisation causes more and more energy
demand. Transformation of various kinds of energy into the best usa-
ble electrical energy makes technology boom possible, but on the
other hand the progress brings threat to the environment – a problem
that mankind has never experienced before. The energy demand of
last centuries and assumption of fossil fuel consumption shows the
following graph.

Fig. 1 Fossil fuel consumption in mankind time scale

Man tries successfully to exploit energy which has been accumulating

in nature for millions of years. Some sources even say that energy
accumulated in the earth for two millions of years is consumed within
a year. Worldwide annual energy consumption in 2000 exceeded 14
TW, 90 % of which produced through burning fossil fuels (coal, gas,
oil) and from nuclear sources.

Heat pumps 5
Fig. 2 Worldwide fossil fuel consumption

An average fossil or nuclear power plant based on condensation princi-

ple produces from primary energy about 1/3 of electrical energy and
2/3 of fuel heat is released to air as emissions. This brings today’s well
known and afraid consequences for life on the earth. Acid rains due to
SO2 emissions are now outstripped by worldwide environmental pro-
blem – global warming. Mainly caused by CO2 emissions and other
greenhouse gases released in the process of fossil fuels combustion
the global warming poses the biggest threat to the environment.

To have a better idea have a look at the figures related to Europe:

• 1kWh energy from natural gas produces 600 g CO2 not mentioned
methane production whose one molecule makes air 32x hotter
than CO2 does
• 1kWh energy from coal produces 100 g of CO2
• 1kWh of nuclear energy doesn’t produce any greenhouse effect gas

Fig. 3 Annual emissions and increasing content of carbon in air

You may wonder why mankind does not use more renewable energy
sources if such alarming figures are available. Actually, the answer is
simple – it is much more easier to use „ energy cans „ containing con-
centrating energy of fossil fuels provided by the earth.
Due to low energy density (that means energy divided by the corres-
ponding surface) from renewable energy sources (e.g. from the Sun)

6 Heat pumps
to produce certain amount of energy requires much higher surface
area than in case of production from fossil fuels. Sunshine falling
down to the earth every year represents 10 000 times the worldwide
annual energy consumption. The following comparison gives away
that economy issues are behind the scenes – production of 1 GW of
electrical energy out of sunshine requires surface area of about 86
km2 while in case of fossil or nuclear power plant only 0.3 km2.

Structure of consumption of primary energy resources in the Czech

Republic and EU depict the following graphs.

Fig. 4 Structure of consumption of primary energy resources in the Czech Republic and
EU (source:1)

The graphs show that energy needs in the Czech Republic are mainly
covered by fossil fuels – 37 % of brown coal at the first place followed
by 19 % of natural gas, 18 % of coal, and 16 % of oil. Coal resources
are limited and natural gas as an import commodity involves a danger
of economic dependence.

Energy policy of EU includes the following tendencies:

• As most effective and economical use of primary energy resources
as possible.
• Increase of climate protection and reduction of the environment
overload due to man-made energy processes.
• Decrease of dependence on import of raw energy.
• Making sure gradual transition to sustainable energetics and con-
sumption.

The progress in using renewable energy sources of individual coun-

tries shows the following chart.

Heat pumps 7
 Fig. 5 Use of renewable energy sources in Europe (source:1)

The following figures were found by the Czech power company EZ in

the Czech Republic.

Fig. 6 Use of renewable energy sources in the Czech Republic (source:1)

From the worldwide point of view you can find efforts to mutual proce-
dure for the environment protection as early as in the late 1980s. The
crucial document is United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC), accepted in June 1992, which main goal was to set
up arrangements for fast stabilisation of greenhouse effect gases con-
centration in atmosphere. The Convention, that obligates the contrac-
tual countries to create national programmes for emission reductions,
have already ratified or accepted 192 states including the Czech Repu-
blic. In 1997, to make general obligation concrete, the Kjoto Protocol
was accepted fixing quantitative goals of emission reductions and the
way to achieve them. The Czech republic should achieve reduction at
the level of 8 %.

1.2 Energy of our surroundings

As stated in previous chapter we are bound by the international agree-
ment to cut down harmful emissions . We can obtain this goal through
deliberate energy savings, cutting down energy demand processes
and as well better use of renewable energy sources (RES). There is an
immense amount of energy accumulated which use does not have

8 Heat pumps
negative impact on the environment. Solar energy can be transformed
into electrical energy by means of photovoltaic sells or used directly
for heating by means of solar vacuum collectors; kinetic energy of
water flows we change in water turbines into electrical and wind farms
use in a similar way wind energy.
But there is another possibility which is in exploiting of surroundings
heat – ground, air and water. These energy sources are from our
point of view almost inexhaustible and absolutely free. Due to low
level of their heat, they are in common way unusable for space hea-
ting and hot water heating. We can transfer that low temperature heat
by means of so called heat pump to a higher level suitable for domes-
tic and industrial use.

Before dealing in detail with individual low temperature heat sources,

we can name features of the ideal source for the heat pump:
• stabile temperature within heating season
• available whenever
• as lower as possible physical and chemical impact on the heat
pump system
• as lower as possible investment and operating costs

Technical performance and economy of the heat pump operation are

closely related to features of real heat sources, which more or less
approach to that of the ideal one.

Ground
Heat energy of the earth core we call geothermal energy. There is a
great amount of the energy slowly advancing towards the earth
surface. The amount of heat included in the top layer of earth surface
just 10 km thick is estimated 7 x 104 times as much as the energy of
all exploitable coal resources. Unfortunately, 99 % of the energy rea-
ches the earth surface with a very low heat density of 0.063 W/m2
which prevent a direct use. The density is 10 000 times less than the
density of sunshine falling down to the earth. Following the heat gra-
dient, we can say that close to the earth surface it has the value of
about 30 0C/km, i.e. temperature of
100 0C is achieved on average at a depth of about 3 km.

Air
Ambient air heated by the Sun is available everywhere in our surroun-
dings. This heat source is the most accessible, virtually unlimited and
probably the most ecological, because heat withdrawn from surroun-
dings is returned back via heat loss of the building. Significant air
fluctuating within the heating season is a disadvantage causing chan-
ges in heat pump parameters which are getting worse at the lowest
temperatures. Unpleasant is also hoarfrost caused by air humidity,
which is necessary to defrost.
Waste air is a common heat source in residential and commercial buil-
dings. The heat pump uses preheated air from a ventilation system
for space heating and hot water heating.

Heat pumps 9
 Water
Surface water (rivers, lakes, ponds) has a disadvantage of low tempe-
ratures approaching 0 0C in winter season. Availability of the source is
not very high. For direct use in the heat pump there are requirements
regarding cleanness and chemical composition. Exploitation of the
heat source has to conform to local legislation.
Underground water ( well water) represents an excellent heat source
for its relatively high temperature – at a depth of 10 meters there is
almost constant temperature 8 – 12 0C. Provided that some conditions
are fulfilled, it can be used directly in the heat pump. This is the case
of sufficient capacity of the source, water purity, and annual average
temperature at least 8 0C. Cooled water must not be returned to the
well it has been extracted from, but to another one, called the absorp-
tion well, or to surface water.
Waste water and effluent have relatively high and constant tempera-
ture over the year. Heat can be obtained from cooling water, from
industrial processes or electricity generation as well as from refrigera-
tion plants and sewers. This heat source is ideal for industrial heat
pumps, but in case of residential buildings the distance between the
source and the user and availability are the main restricts.
Sea water is an excellent source of heat, if available, used mainly for
middle and large heat pump installations. At a depth of 25 – 50
meters there is a constant temperature of sea water between 5 and
8 0C.

1.3 Heat transfer advantages

Comparing the heat pump with the conventional heating system we
can sum up the advantages into the following.

Energy advantages
An electrically driven heat pump saves on average 70 % of electricity,
which would have been consumed in case of electrical heating under
comparable conditions.
The conventional heating system uses 100 % of energy to produce
heat while using the heat pump we need only 30% and the rest is
taken freely from surroundings.

Economic advantages
These are closely related to the previous – a heat pump user pays for
energy consumed on average 70% less in comparison with resistance
electrical heating supposing the same price of electricity. However,
total economic advantages depend on fuel prices, investment costs,
state grants, etc.

Ecology advantages
Cutting down electricity consumption, we save primary energy resour-
ces making at the same time production of harmful emissions lower.
Heating a new house by means of the heat pump we achieve savings

10 Heat pumps
on NOx up to 70 % and SO2 up to 30 % assuming the same result like
with the conventional heating. According to present knowledge, CO2 is
the most responsible for greenhouse effect and that way for unfavou-
rable climate changes.
It would not be fair to hold back disadvantages as well. The main dis-
advantage seems to be a long time to get the investment back. This
depends on the kind of fuel used before, the extent of reconstruction
of the building and the kind and capacity of the low temperature heat
source. A state support for renewable energy plays the important
role. At present getting back the investment costs takes 6 – 8 years.

Heat pumps 11
12 Heat pumps
 2 Heat pump

2.1 Heat pump function

The heat pump principle is based on the second law of thermodyna-
mics formulated by Sadi Carnot, a French mathematician (1796-
1832). The law says that heat naturally flows from an area with higher
temperature to an area with lower temperature and not vice versa.
To be able to „ pump „ heat following this law from low-temperature
source, the heat must be first absorbed into a low temperature stuff
which is then transferred on a higher temperature level.
We can define the heat pump like this.

The heat pump is a device which withdraws heat from surroundings

(so called low-temperature sources) normally unusable and transfers
it to a higher temperature usable for space heating and/or hot water
heating.

The device can work as well in reverse cooling mode extracting heat
from inner spaces that are cooled down. In general, we can regard as
the heat pump a device which absorbs heat energy in one place and
transfers it into another place. Then the category covers such common
things like refrigerators and air conditioning units!

2.2 Basic Principle

Based on the principle, heat pumps can be divided into three kinds:
• compression
• absorption
• hybrid

Vapour compression heat pumps

Most heat pumps work on the principle of a vapour compression cycle.
The main components in such a heat pump are a compressor, an
expansion valve, and two heat exchangers referred to as an evapora-
tor and condenser.

Fig. 7 Principle of the vapour compression heat pump

Heat pumps 13
The components are connected to form a closed circuit through which
a coolant (working fluid) circulates. Firstly, in the evaporator (1) the
temperature of the liquid working fluid is kept lower than the tempera-
ture of the heat source, causing heat to flow from the heat source to
the liquid. This makes the coolant evaporate. Next, vapour from the
evaporator is compressed by the compressor (2) resulting higher
pressure and temperature. After that, the hot vapour comes into the
condenser (3), where it condenses giving off useful heat. Finally, the
high-pressure coolant is expanded to the evaporator pressure and
temperature in the expansion valve (4). The coolant is returned to its
original state and again enters the evaporator.

There are more ways of driving the compressor.

An electric motor is the most common way. It drives the compressor
with very low energy losses and noise, high reliability, and a long lifes-
pan. The total energy efficiency of the heat pump considerably
depends on efficiency of electricity generation.
A combustion engine can use as well heat from cooling water and
exhaust gas in addition to the condensation heat.
Vapours generated during the industrial process are often used by
industrial heat pumps.
Renewable „driving“ energy ,e.g. from a water turbine, would be the
most ecological way, because no energy produced conventionally
would be needed and this way heat would be absolutely for free.
Unfortunately this is rarely viable.

Absorption heat pumps

Absorption heat pumps are not very widespread. They are thermally
driven which means that heat is used to supply working cycle rather
than mechanical energy. Heat pumps for heating residential buildings
are gas driven while industrial installations use high-pressure steam or
waste heat.

Absorption systems utilise ability of liquids and salts to absorb vapour

of coolant. The most common coolants are the following:
• water (coolant) and lithium bromide (absorbent)
• ammonia (coolant) and water (absorbent)

Compression of the working fluid is achieved thermally in a circuit

which consists of an absorber (1), a solution pump (2), a generator
(3) and an expansion valve (4)( see Fig. 8)

Low-pressure vapour from the evaporator is absorbed in the absor-

bent releasing some heat. The pump increases pressure of the solu-
tion, which then enters the generator where it is boiled off with an
external heat source (6) at a high temperature. Vapours of the coolant
condense in the condenser (7) while absorbent goes back to the
absorber through the expansion valve. Heat is extracted from the heat
source in the evaporator (5). Useful heat is given off at medium tem-
perature in the condenser and in the absorber.

14 Heat pumps
 The high-temperature heat in the generator a drives the whole pro-
cess. A small amount of electrical energy may be needed to drive the
solution pump.

Fig. 8 Principle of the absorption heat pump

Hybrid heat pumps

These mixed systems are tailored to match needs of a specific custo-
mer.

2.3 Parameters
We can rate heat pumps according to some parameters.

Coefficient of performance (COP)

Energy consumption necessary to ensure circulation of coolant
depends first of all on the amount of transferred heat and on the tem-
perature difference between the heating system and the low-tempe-
rature heat source. Coefficient of performance is a ratio between the
heat power and the driving (electrical) energy necessary to operate
the heat pump.
Generally the COP varies between 2.5 and 4, i.e. 1 kWh of electrical
energy consumed by the heat pump produces 2.5 – 4 kWh of heat.

The COP value depends on:

• input temperature from the low-temperature heat source
• final temperature of the heating system
• chemical and physical qualities of the coolant
• technical parameters of the heat pump

The higher the temperature of the low-temperature heat source and

the lower temperature of the heating medium are, the higher COP is.
Conversely, the heat pump performance decreases with increasing
gap between both temperatures.

Heat pumps 15
 This poses a problem installing heat pumps in older buildings or deta-
ched houses equipped with solid fuel central heating, where radiators
usually operate in temperature range 50 – 55 0C and 65 – 70 0C res-
pectively. New buildings may be equipped with

low-temperature heating systems operating usually at the media tem-

perature of 40 0C and lower. The most advantageous are under-floor
and in-wall heating systems.
Based on the previous designing a heat pump installation we have to
take into consideration dependence of the heat pump parameters on
outside conditions.

Heating power
Heating power is a sum of both input energy (heat moved from the
evaporator to the condenser and heat developed in the compressor by
transformation of electrical driving energy.

Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF)

Operating performance of an electric heat pump over the season is
called Seasonal Performance Factor. It is defined as a ratio of the heat
delivered and the total energy supplied over the season. It takes into
consideration variable heating and/or cooling demands, variability of
the heat source and temperature minima over the year.

2.4 Operating modes

The heat pump can work in several operating modes.

Monovalent mode
The heat pump is the only one source of heat . This mode is suitable
for low-temperature heating with water temperature up to 65 0C.
Mostly the heating system is not designed to cover all heat demand
even at the lowest outside temperatures because the installation
would be too large and the investment cost worthless high.

Bivalent mode
The heat pump is designed to cover needed heat demand up to a cer-
tain outside temperature (so called a bivalent point) and at lower tem-
peratures another supplementary heat source „ helps“ (e.g. electrical
boiler). This way you can achieve the optimal ratio between invest-
ment and operating cost.

• Alternatively bivalent. The heat pump covers all heat demand up to

a fixed outdoor temperature / e.g. 0 0C/ . When the outdoor tem-
perature drops below the value, the heat pumps turns off and the
supplementary source of heat takes over the heat production. This
mode is possible for all heating systems with distribution tempera-
tures up to 90 0 C.

16 Heat pumps
• Parallel bivalent . At a fixed outdoor temperature supplementary
heat source turns on and helps to the heat pump. The heat pump
year-round share of heat production is higher. The mode is suitable
for underfloor heating and radiators with distribution temperatures
up to 65 0C.
• Partially bivalent. Up to a certain outdoor temperature the heat
pump provides all heat production. When the temperature drops
below the level, the supplementary source is switched on as well.
The heat pump switches off if it does not produce water with tem-
perature adequate to that of the distribution system. This mode is
possible for all heating systems with water distribution temperatu-
res exceeding 65 0C.

Possible operating modes of an air-to-water heat pump are shown in

following figures.

Fig. 9 Monovalent and alternatively bivalent mode

Fig. 10 Parallel bivalent a partially bivalent mode

WP =TC = heat pump G = B = the point of bivalence

QH = QN = heating power ZH = PT = additional heating
TU = tb = switch to only TE = tP = switch temperature
additional source

Heat pumps 17
 2.5 Heat pump types
The heat pump system is determined by the kind of cooled and heated
stuff. The most common systems are:
• air-to-water
• water(antifreeze)-to-water
• ground-to-water

2.5.1 Air-to water heat pump

This type extracts energy directly from air which is either outdoor air
or waste air from a ventilation system. There are two designs of air-
to-water heat pumps:
• split
• compact

Split
The split consists of an outdoor unit (the exchanger and the ventilator)
and indoor unit, located mainly in a boiler room, including the com-
pressor, the condenser, switch devices and a basic regulator. Copper
pipes of the coolant circuit connect both parts. The length of the pipes
should not exceed 10 meters.

Compact
The compact has all components of the heat pump placed in a com-
mon case which may be designed either for indoor or outdoor installa-
tion. The latter may have the unit situated up to 30 meters far from
the boiler room on a concrete foundation. The heat pump is supplied
with heating water mainly through insulated plastic pipes buried in the
ground together with heavy current and control cables. In the boiler
room there are usually installed a heavy current distributor, a bivalent
source, circulation pumps and other accessories. The indoor design
requires larger building adaptations and a bigger boiler room; but
from an aesthetic point of view this is the most advantageous solution.
Another advantage is a lower price since the device is not designed as
weatherproof.

Fig. 11 Principle of the air-to water heat pump (outdoor unit)

Heat pumps of this kind can operate usually at ambient temperatures

up to – 20 0C and lower. But their performance significantly decrease
with descending temperature.

18 Heat pumps
 Air-to-water heat pumps have an advantage of lower installation cost
because no expensive adaptations of the surrounding are required.
Regarding to above mentioned,
dependence of performance on outside temperature heat pumps are
sized to cover 60 – 70 % of a building heat loss, provided that at low
temperature the heat demand is covered by supplementary source of
heat such as a little electric boiler or the original gas boiler.

Fig. 12 Example of the air-to-water heat pump (outdoor and indoor unit)

The depicted heat pump AIRMASTER – AM has the outdoor unit with
the ventilator and the indoor unit made of stainless steel which com-
prises beside the compressor a two-stage electric boiler, a buffer tank
of heating water and a copper flow-type water heater.

2.5.2 Water-to-water heat pump

Surface water
Direct extraction of flowing water is possible, provided that the above
mentioned conditions are fulfilled and permission of the trustee or the
possessor has been obtained. A suitable circulation pump is necessary
to ensure water circulation.

Indirect extraction heat from flowing water realises via a system of

collectors (1) (see Fig.13) laid at the bottom of a watercourse.
Through the primary circuit a circulation pump makes antifreeze, most
often a brim, flow.

Heat pumps 19
 Indirect extraction from still water requires to lay the heat exchanger
down at the bottom of e.g. a pond. The useful power varies between
1.5 and 8 W/m2. In case of lower temperatures and a higher extrac-
tion there is a danger of collector freezing resulting a decrease of per-
formance. To use this source you have to conform strict requirements
of the environment protection.

Fig. 13 Principle of the heat pump using a system of collectors

Underground water
The systems use two wells. From the suction well (1) water is pumped
up and after cooling down (heat extracted) it is returned to the
absorption well (2), which should be located at least 10 meters far
from the suction well, or to a surface water. The cooled water must not
be returned to the same well or to sewerage. Drilled wells, which
depth ranges from 10 to 30 meters pose the biggest cost of invest-
ment.

Fig. 14 Heat pump using two wells

2.5.3 Ground-to-water heat pump

This type uses energy coming toward the earth surface from the core
and energy accumulated in surface layers by sunshine. (The system is
equipped either with ground collectors or drilled bore holes). Heat col-
lectors are PVC pipes, that form so called ground loop , through which
flows a heat transporting fluid (brim) of such a concentration that
prevents freezing.

20 Heat pumps
Heat transfer from the ground coil is driven by the temperature diffe-
rence between the ground and the circulating fluid. There are two
main configurations of heat exchanger coils: horizontal (ground) col-
lectors and vertical (drilled holes) collectors.

Ground collectors
The source of heat are surface ground layers up to a depth of 2 me-
ters. Decisive is the heat accumulated through direct sunshine, trans-
fer of air, or rainfall. Heat from deeper ground layers is negligible due
to its very low density (0.05 – 0.12 W/m2). Usable amount of heat
depends on sunshine, which is determined by the local climate, com-
position and quality of the soil. Ability of heat accumulation and ther-
mal conductivity of soil increase with increasing moisture content in
the ground, increasing amount of minerals, and decreasing number of
air pores.

In case of horizontal installations, multiple pipes are laid in trenches

with pipes placed either side by side or over-under configuration. The
depth of such a trench is about 1 – 1.5 with wide 0.6 – 1.0 m.
Mutual distance of the trenches should be at least 2 m to avoid ther-
mal interference.

Soil ability to give off heat varies from 10 to 4 W/m2. Extracted

power adequate to one meter of the pipe ranges from 10 W in sandy
soil to 35 W in enough moisturised clay. Energy extracted should not
exceed 50 – 70 kWh per year to ensure natural supply of energy.
The ground collectors require a relatively large area – about triple of
the heated area is needed.

Fig. 15 Heat pump using ground collectors

Drilled bore holes

Vertical arrangement is a suitable choice in locations where the area
surface is limited such as in suburban residential areas. Vertical col-
lectors (1) are inserted to drilled holes deep up to 150 m and wide 100
– 150 mm.

For each required 1 kW we need 10 – 30 of borehole length depending

on the kind of subsoil (rock with underground water – dry sediments).

Heat pumps 21
In case of more than one borehole, their distance should be at least
10 m to avoid thermal interference. The advantage of the type is a
minimal area needed. On the other hand there is a disadvantage of
high cost of drilling which only specialised company can perform. In
case of higher depths a permission of the coal board concerned is
required.

Fig. 16 Heat pump using vertical collectors

Fig. 17 Inside view of the ground-to-water heat pump

22 Heat pumps
Fig. 18. Example of features of ground-to-water heat pumps

Heat pumps 23
24 Heat pumps
 3 Basic heat pump components

The heat pump is a relatively complicated technical device which con-

sists of a number of construction parts. As with another complicated
devices checking and reliability of the items are important because
the only one item (though not important from the functional point of
view) may shut down the whole heating system. The main construc-
tion items of the heat pump are the following:

• compressor
• condenser
• expansion valve
• evaporator

Fig. 19 Basic heat pump components

3.1 Compressor
The compressor is the heart of every heat pump. It is the most stres-
sed and expensive part of the heat pump. In functional respects its
task is to suck fluid coolant, compress it increasing significantly its
temperature, and deliver it to the condenser where it condenses han-
ding over its heat to the heating water. Pressures in the suck and the
feed pipes depend on used coolant and operating conditions. Suck
pressure ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 Mpa; output pressure ranges from 0.5
to 2.5 Mpa.

Heat pumps 25
Compressors are able to achieve even higher pressures – that is why
they are equipped with a pressure-increase protection, usually over-
pressure valves. Temperatures of sucked vapours vary usually from –
20 0C to +10 0C; feed temperatures are in the range of 60 0C to
100 0C. The compressor parameter called Suction Power indicates the
amount of pumped gas measured in m3/hour.

Two kinds of compressors are used:

• Piston compressor
• Scroll compressor (spiral)

Piston compressor
The piston compressor has been in operation for about 100 years. Its
well tried construction has a long lifetime which in case of refrigerators
exceeds 20 or more years. Input power of compressor electric motors
(single-phase or three-phase versions) ranges from 50 W to tens of
kW.

Scroll compressor
The Scroll compressor brought up in 1979 by the Copeland company,
belongs today to worldwide top models. Within some years the scroll
compressors have forced out the classical compressors – they are
more reliable with lower input power and 2 – 2.5 times higher lifetime
achieving now 40 years.

Fig. 20 Scroll compressor

The scroll compressor consists of two metal spirals fitted inside one
another. There is an opening connected with a discharged pipe in the
upper fixed spiral. The lower spiral part does not rotate but orbits in
the upper part through an eccentric of the electric motor shaft. This
way gas the crescent-shape gas pockets develop between the spirals

26 Heat pumps
in places with various curve that are constantly moved towards the
centre of the spirals decreasing their size.
Once at the centre, the gas pocket is fully compressed and discharged
out of the central opening of the non –orbiting spiral.

Fig. 21 Function of the Scroll compressor

Compressor designs are the following:

• hermetic
• semi-hermetic
• open

Hermetic compressor
The hermetic compressor is the most common in practice. The elec-
tric motor and the compressor are hermetically sealed in a common
case similarly as it is in a compressor refrigerator. The advantage is a
total sealing preventing from any coolant leakage. Demand for quality
highlights, if we realise that the compressor , the electric motor , the
lubricating oil and the coolant have to work in the sealed space for
tens of years having no chance of checking, revision ,or repair.

Semi-hermetic compressor
The semi-hermetic compressor has its electric motor and compressor
mounted on a common shaft in a hermetically sealed case. There is an
access to the electric motor, a valve frame of the compressor, and a
crank case via removable lids. These compressors, usually a piston
design, are used mainly for special applications and higher power out-
puts.

Open design
The open design represents the compressor itself with the shaft, sea-
led to prevent leakage, coming out of the case. The drive provides an

Heat pumps 27
 electric motor, combustion or other engine. The compressors are used
in car air-conditioning.
Choosing the compressor you always have to know the conditions of
the destination because the various kinds of low-temperature heat
source use various coolants.

3.2 Condenser
Basically the condenser is a metal heat exchanger which provides
transfer of heat from the pressed hot coolant to the medium of the
heating system. It utilise the fact that during cooling the coolant
vapours condense ( that is why the name condenser). A latent heat
plays a role as well. As for the design, the condenser is matched to the
medium we use for heating of the building – water or air. To sum it up
- the main function of the condenser is delivery of heat to heating
water or air and change of the coolant from gas to a liquid state.

There are two main constructions of the condenser:

• tubular heat exchanger
• plate heat exchanger

Tubular heat exchanger

The tubular heat exchanger is older as regards its construction; it is
made mainly from copper, aluminium, or steel. The exchangers are
equipped with aluminium lamellas to enlarge their heat exchanging
surface which increases transfer of heat. Air is usually forced through
the exchangers by means of a ventilator. This type can be also coaxial
or “pipe in pipe” construction.

Plate heat exchanger

The plate heat exchanger usually consists of a group of chromium
steel plates with specially shaped offsets. Putting the plates on the
other creates two groups of channels, allowing separate flow of heat
transporting media. The plates are soldered or welded together so
they create a compact unit. It is easy to assemble them and they last
high pressures. Plate heat exchangers have the advantage of high
effectiveness, high transferred power, and low dimension.

28 Heat pumps
 Fig. 22 Condenser

3.3 Expansion valve

The expansion valve (also referred as an injection or choke valve) is
basically a narrowness of the pipe transporting the coolant. Partially
cooled and condensed coolant is sprayed by a nozzle of the expansion
valve in order to be effectively changed into gas state in the following
part which is the evaporator. Since the expansion valve dramatically
increases a flow resistance, there is not only an extreme pressure
decrease but also a great temperature decrease. Various designs of
the expansion valve more or less optimise the coolant circulation.

The thermostatic expansion valve represents already a classical

design.

Fig. 23 Principle of the thermostatic expansion valve (Source: 4)

The main part of the expansion valve is the nozzle that either open or
close the coolant input of the evaporator. Its function is controlled by
three applied forces. A temperature sensor of the evaporator obtains

Heat pumps 29
the temperature, which is then changed into pressure alterations app-
lied on the membrane from the top, causing the valve to open. From
the bottom there are two forces applied on the membrane – one ade-
quate to the pressure from the pipe and the other from the valve
spring; both causing the valve to close. The resultant force is ade-
quate to overheating of the coolant. When the coolant overheating in
the evaporator increases, the valve opens and vice versa.
The force of the valve spring is constant during operation. We can
adjust it turning round the screw in the valve. The nozzle of the
expansion valve is replaceable – we choose it according the required
power and the kind of coolant.
The expansion valve of the heat pump is adjusted to a guaranteed
power in kW/hour. This means that under a constant pressure it lets
through an amount of coolant capable to transfer heat power required
by the heating system. Within the same time the compressor must
pressure the amount of the coolant and the evaporator and the con-
denser must give off and take back again the heat. This is a balanced
system!

Fig. 24 Thermostatic valve

An electronically controlled expansion valve is a part of up-to-date

heat pumps. Its electromagnetically controlled nozzle operates in the
binary mode – it is either fully open or closed. The amount of injected
coolant is determined by the ratio of opening to closing time. The
whole function is supervised by an electronic control unit which pro-
cesses data from heat sensors of different heat pump parts.
Just to have an idea – this is a similar innovation as in case of repla-
cing classical car carburettors with modern injection. And effects are
the similar – higher power and COP and lower energy consumption.

30 Heat pumps
3.4 Evaporator
As the condenser, the evaporator belongs to heat exchangers. It is
usually of a coaxial lamella design or plate design with the construc-
tion matched to primary medium (water, air, ground heat). The evapo-
rator surface is twice the size of that one of the condenser.

Kinds of evaporators:

An evaporator bound to the heat pump during production. These are

usually made of copper pipes already filled with the coolant. They are
designed to be buried in the ground, sinked into water or deep bored
holes. The pipe length can not be changed.

An evaporator created as inbuilt plate heat exchangers. Heat energy

must be led directly into the exchangers, e.g. by the pipes from a well,
pond, etc.

An air input evaporator has a pipe design with lamellas. Air is led by
an air distribution network from warm space or waste heat is used.
The evaporator may be located outside with the ventilator ensuring air
input. Especially evaporators using outside air are relatively large
devices processing a great amount of air; they have to contain a part
to defrost condensed and frost air humidity.

The main function of the evaporator is then the increase of the tempe-
rature of the liquid coolant and its change into the gas state. Failing
the change of state followed by suction of the liquid coolant into the
compressor could cause the compressor destruction.

3.5 Coolant
Pipes of the heat pump inner circuit (compressor – condenser - expan-
sion valve – evaporator) are filled with the coolant. The coolant is a
bearer of the energy in a heat pump – the system could not function
without it. Through the coolant energy from surroundings is extrac-
ted. As coolants chemical blends are used mixed in order to condense
under the required pressure and temperature and evaporate under
another conditions. By the change of state great transfers of heat
occur.
Influence of a coolant on damage of ozone layer is expressed by
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). This relates to Fresno R11 whose
ODP was set 1. The less ODP of a stuff, the less impact on ozone layer
it has. GWP (Global Warming Potential) coefficient covers influence on
greenhouse effect. CO2/100years (years of influence) has a reference
value GWP=1. The higher value means more negative effect.

Heat pumps 31
 A coolant name starts with the letter R (refrigerant) following a num-
ber. On the grounds of chemical composition we divide coolants into
the following groups:

• CFC. Chlorofluorocarbons and their blends. All hydrogen atoms in

the molecule are replaced with chlorine and fluorine in various
ratios. These coolants, originally developed by the Du Pont com-
pany, are known as Freon. High chemical stability has proved to be
a great disadvantage, because destabilisation of fluorine and
release of chlorine do not realise until in high atmosphere layers
resulting dissociation of ozone. This is why CFC coolants belong to
the group of prohibited refrigerants and are no longer allowed for
heat pumps. (R11,R12,R113,R502 and others)
• HCFC. Not all hydrogen atoms are replaced which causes reduced
risk of ozone holes. These coolants are not used at present
(R21,R22)
• HFC. The coolants do not contain chlorine, but only fluorine. They
do not pose a risk for ozone layer, but they contribute to global
warming. From this group, R407c is most commonly used these
days.
• Natural coolants. Inorganic coolants such as CO2,SF6,air,water or
nitrogen compounds such as Ammonia NH3. Generally they have
negligible global environment drawbacks. But some of them are
flammable or toxic stuff.

3.6 Other components

Beside above mentioned basic parts the heat pump include a number
of other components that differ in accordance with the primary heat
source.

A circulation pump provides circulation of the coolant.

Fig. 25 Circulation pumps

32 Heat pumps
A thermostat scans temperature in heat exchangers.

Presostats are adjustable pressure switches that watch pressures in

high and low pressure parts of the coolant circuit. They have adjusta-
ble hysteresis which is the difference between switch on and off pres-
sures. Little pressure switches, that operate with fixed pressures, can
be mounted directly on the pipe.

Fig. 26 Presostat (Source:10)

Valves are used for measurement or service purposes.

Fig. 27 Valves (Source: 10)

Manometers can be either digital or analogue.

Fig. 28 Manometers (Source:10)

Heat pumps 33
A dehydration filter absorbs harmful substances and little particles
in the coolant circuit. The arrow on the case indicates the direction of
liquid coolant.

Fig. 29 Dehydration filter

A coolant collector is a pressure container serving as a storage tank

of all the liquid coolant in the heat pump and a bubble separator. It
ensures only liquid to enter the thermostatic valve.

Fig. 30 Principle of the coolant collector (Source:4)

34 Heat pumps
An irreversible valve is a piston or ball valve which lets the liquid
coolant flow only one way.

Fig. 31 Principle of the irreversible valve (Source:4)

Fig. 32 Irreversible valve in practice (Source:10)

An inspection window enables watching of liquid coolant that flows

in the pipe; e.g. occurrence of bubbles indicating a failure or lack of
coolant. The inspection window is located between the dehydrator fil-
ter and the coolant collector.

Fig. 33 Inspection window

Heat pumps 35
A heavy current panel supplies all parts of the heat pump. It inclu-
des such parts as control circuits, a contactor and a starter of the
compressor.

Fig. 34 Heavy current panel

An electronic control unit provides a lot of functions such as swit-

ching of circulation pumps, balanced load of the compressors, setting
limits to protect heating system and heat pumps against freezing,
counting of operating time, failure diagnosis, etc. By means of an
interface you can connect a computer to set parameters and control
the system.

Fig. 35 Panel of the electronic control unit

36 Heat pumps
 4 Heat pump in a detached house

There are many reasons for which you decide to heat up your house
by means of the heat pump. Somebody prefers low operating costs,
other ecological approach to heating, comfort or fully automatic pro-
cess, etc. It is for true that the heat pump has a lot of advantages
specially having in mind economy of heating. Since we do not have to
„produce“ electricity, but only transfer it from surroundings (absolu-
tely for free), the cost of space heating and hot water heating is
matchless low.
Dividing the natural installation cost of the heat pump by the corres-
ponding savings of annual operating costs, we obtain so called pay-
back time, i.e. the time, you get your investment back. It is obvious
that the shortest payback time have people with high present opera-
ting costs caused by electricity or gas heating, having big houses,
swimming pools etc. Conversely, who has a small house, extremely
well insulated, has a long payback time since the little number of kWh
consumed by heating does not stand a chance to the heat pump to
make its living.
Contrary to the times of light fuel oils or electric heaters, the heat
pump has the essential advantage: the more will energy cost in future
(and no doubt it will), the more attractive will be the heat pump
because the more money it saves.
Facing a problem of the proper heat pump choice, we have in particu-
lar to decide on
the right contractor and the way of funding
optimal size of the heat pump (power)
the best low-temperature heat source in the case

4.1 Funding and choosing the contractor

There is a great number of companies in the market offering heat
pumps of a large number of producers. Not all of them are reputable.
You can buy almost the same heat pump from a company for 100 000
K (3 300 Euro) and for more than 200 000 K (6 600 Euro) from
another one. That is why it is worth to find needed information. For
example:
• number of heat pumps successfully installed by the company, refe-
rence
• service guaranteed
• guarantee
• strong points of the offered heat pump
• the heat pump producer and distribution certificate for the Czech
Republic
• help with a grant application, a loan, etc.

It is in common practice to ask in advance several contractors for

their offer. Comparing the free of charge offers we can make a better

Heat pumps 37
decision. We can get a basic idea on the grounds of internet informa-
tion available.
It is as well important to know, that in the Czech Republic there are
grants available for heat pumps investments. The State Environmental
Fund of the Czech Republic provides at present grants for individuals
up to 30 % of total cost, i.e. up to 100 000 K (www.sfzp.cz). Some
energy distribution joint stock companies and municipalities as well
offer grants. A grant does not contradict another grant. Obtaining
parallel grants can make the cost of investment very reasonable.
Since the heat pump is a savings-making device, you can get the
investment on credit. Contrary to buying a car, flat or package trip on
credit, when we pay and pay the money back, the heat pump can earn
a living via its cheap operation. So, let it work; some building societies
fund the investments (some of them through an extraordinary favou-
rable credit in the frame of their eco-programmes).

Example 1:
We own a detached house of a 120 m2 of living area heated via natu-
ral gas. The average insulated house has a heat loss of 14 kW. There
is not a large garden here , but a rich well is at disposal. We have
decided for the water-to-water heat pump. We are going to install
Mastertherm GSW 036 heat pump for its great performance. The heat
pump with heating power of 8.1 kW, provides as well hot water hea-
ting and includes a bivalent electrical boiler. Its retail price is 95 700 K.
Having some stand-by, we can say that the investment costs reach
160 000 K. Up to now we pay annually for gas consumed for heating
30 500 K (1000 Euro) (27 300 kWh). When we extract water from the
well, as the prime heat source for the heat pump, the COP will be high
( in practice 4.5 or more). In another words we get a high efficiency of
the operation. This means that from 27 300 kWh needed, through the
electricity meter „ go“ as the input power only 27 300 / 4.5 = 6
060 kWh and the rest we get from the water for free. Based on the
current electricity price 1 K/kWh (tax D55) we get:

Annual savings 30 500 – 6 060 = 24 440 K

Payback time 160 000/24 440 = 6.5 years

It should be added that the example is a bit simplified in order to have

an idea. Exact calculations should be done by experts. The above
example compares heating by natural gas to the heat pump; the ways
of heating where the price difference is not so dramatic. Regarding
fuel oil, calor gas or electric heater the payback time of the heat
pump is much favourable. The example as well supposes that we pay
the usual retail price for the heat pump – hardly anybody has done it
up to now. Mostly an investor obtains a grant which significantly
decreases the investment cost as well as the payback time.

38 Heat pumps
4.2 Sizing the heat pump
Calculation of the optimal power of the heat pump is based on the
heat loss of the heated building. The figure is either included in techni-
cal report of the project documentation in case of new buildings or you
can calculate it (in Czech Republic SN 06 02 10). Basically we have
two options – either we size the heat pump performance to heat loss (
so called monovalent mode) or we deliberately under-size the power
to 60 – 70 % of the heat loss. Remaining 30 – 40 % is covered by a
proper supplementary heat source (so called bivalent mode).
It is necessary to realise, that the whole performance of the heat
pump which covers 100% of heat loss is used in heating season
(about 240 days per year) only during few days when temperature is
extremely low. So, there is a question whether it is worth to install for
the few days powerful and adequately expensive heat pump and a rich
primary heat source (and expensive). The more economical way is to
size the heat pump to 2/3 of heat loss and a smaller heat source add
to the heating system. This may be a fireplace, a calor gas radiator, a
gas heater or more often a small electrical boiler fitted directly into the
heat pump. Automation control of the heat pump switches on gradu-
ally a part of electrical boiler power according current need, which the
user even does not know. Considering the situation occurs only in few
days in a year, economy of the heat pump is not endangered. Proper
sizing of the heat pump ensures 95-97 % of annual heat consumption
goes through it and only the rest through the electric boiler. In addi-
tion - the boiler serves as a backup heating source.

Example 2:
We are to design the optimal performance of the ground-to-water heat
pump (drilled holes) for a detached house with heat loss of 15 kW
(annual heat consumption 103.4 GJ).
Our choice is the heat pump of the rated power 10,5 kW (70 % of the
heat loss). The resulting effect is mainly economic. The smaller heat
pump is cheaper requiring a smaller heat source. In the case we save
40 – 50 m of drilled holes which is not negligible financial savings.

4.3 Choosing the primary source

As mentioned above, we have to extract low-temperature energy from
our surroundings. We have three mentioned options: from air, water
or ground. We can not consider a certain variant as better and the
other as worse. Each has its own pros and cons. Local conditions of
the site are decisive. Not knowing the conditions you can not responsi-
bly specify the suitable heat pump type. That is why an expert should
be present while making decision on the primary source.
In case of a water-to-water heat pump enough water (0.5 l/sec or
more) is a vital question which must be proved by a pumping test. You
will be rewarded by the high COP which means a high economy of
operation unobtainable in another way.

Heat pumps 39
To decide for the ground-to-water heat pump you have to have at your
disposal sufficiently large site (about triple of the heated area) or do
some drilling which makes this choice the most expensive.
The air-to-water heat pump itself is by 20-30 % more expensive than
other types Since you do not have to install any primary source this
option becomes the most favourable. Since the heat pump evaporator
of an average detached house must process about 4000 – 5000 m3
per hour, we have to ensure that the heat pump does not annoy
neighbours with noise. There are virtually noiseless heat pumps avai-
lable or you can cope with it through suitable location, sound-absor-
bing walls, etc.

40 Heat pumps
5 Present state and outlook of heat pumps

The oil crisis in the seventies of last century led to endeavour of indu-
strially advanced states to cut down dependence on foreign energy
sources and energy consumption at all. One of the options was to
support heat pump installations. Worldwide leaders in the field are
the USA and Japan. In Europe there was a great launch in the eighties
– mainly caused by low operating costs. In the late eighties the deve-
lopment slowed down a bit due to decrease of oil prices, following an
increase again as a result of growing tendencies to environmental
protection first of all against the greenhouse gases causing the global
warming.
Dealing with the number of installations in individual countries, there
are great differences evoked mainly by state funding policy and eco-
logy advancement.
The present state of affair in some advanced European countries and
estimated development depict the following graph and table.

Country 2000 2010

Denmark 39000 52000
Finland 25000 120000
France 150000 400000
Holland 5500 14000
Norway 22000 62000
Austria 149000 200000
Sweden 360000 650000
Switzerland 60000 170000
Fig. 36 Heat pump installations in Europe

In the Czech Republic heat pumps started to push through in larger

extent after 1990 when new technologies were introduced and support
for ecological approach to the environment increased. Now, there
annually 130 000 heat sources installed in the Czech Republic, about
600 – 800 of them are heat pumps, which represents only about
0.5 %. But exact number of installed heat pumps is very difficult to
get – different sources present figures that significantly vary.
The following graphs depict share of heat pump primary sources and
development of installations within recent years.

Heat pumps 41
Fig. 37 Low temperature sources used by heat pumps installed in the Czech Republic.

The graph below shows number of installations in time period.

Fig. 38 Heat pumps installed

For the future we can not assume that significance of heat pumps will
decrease. However, we can expect gradual withdrawal of state grants
as seen in some states (e.g. Germany). Then an important role will
play energy producers, for which a heat pump owner will represent a
long term customer worth to strive for. Some of them already offer
possibility to fund the investment from energy savings ( EPC method)
cutting down investment costs this way.
However, market in heat pumps will be always bound to electricity
price, i.e. it will depend on deregulation of electricity market.

42 Heat pumps
6 Questions

1. The original source of most energy on the earth is:

a) sunshine
b) water
c) wind
d) air

2. Fossil fuels were created:

a) by disintegration of rocks
b) from necrotic biomass
c) by earth’s crash with a meteorite

3. Which does not belong to fossil fuels?

a) peat
b) coke
c) natural gas
d) biomass

4. Worldwide energy consumption is covered by burning fossil fuels

from about:
a) 60%
b) 70%
c) 80%
d) 90%

5. Great „ popularity “of fossil fuels is caused by:

a) easy availability
b) friendly relation to the environment
c) inexhaustible sources
d) high density of energy

6. The greenhouse effect is mainly caused by emissions of:

a) SO2
b) CO2
c) Methane
d) NOx

7. From renewable energy sources most used in the Czech Republic

nowadays is:
a) water energy
b) solar energy
c) biomass
d) wind energy

Heat pumps 43
8. The most promising renewable energy source in the
Czech Republic seems to be:
a) solar energy
b) water
c) biomass
d) wind

9. Heat accumulated in surroundings is not commonly used

because of:
a) inaccessibility
b) harmful impact on environment
c) too high temperature
d) too low temperature

10. The heat pump energy:

a) produces
b) pumps
c) transforms
d) refines

11. Heat accumulated close to ground surface develops mainly due

to:
a) accumulation of sunshine
b) plant activities
c) transfer of geothermal heat
d) industrial activities of man

12. Temperature of 50 0C occurs on average at a depth:

a) 50 m
b) 100 m
c) 1500 m
d) 10 000 m

13. The highest average temperature is achieved by:

a) underground water
b) sea water
c) air
d) waste heat

14. The low temperature heat source hands over its heat to the
coolant at
a) evaporator
b) condenser
c) expansion valve
d) compressor

44 Heat pumps
15. The heat pump which consumes 0,75 kWh of electrical drive
energy producing 3 kWh has the COP:
a) 0,75
b) 2,25
c) 3
d) 4

16. When the temperature gap between the low-temperature heat

source and the heating media increases, the COP:
a) remains unchanged
b) decreases
c) increases
d) drops to zero

17. The heat pump operating in bivalent mode:

a) is the only one source of heat
b) above certain outdoor temperature uses a supplementary
source
c) alternates with another heat pump

18. The air-to-water heat pump operates:

a) all the year round except for winter season
b) only at above zero temperatures
c) at under zero temperatures
d) regardless outside temperatures

19. The ground-to-water heat pump with ground collectors should

heat a detached house of a surface area 220 m2. The required
area to lay down the collectors is about.
a) 110 m2
b) 220 m2
c) 660 m2
d) 2200 m2

20. We plan to get 5 kW through drilled holes of a ground-to-water

heat pump. What approximately should be the depth of holes
supposing the soil is enough moisture?
a) 5 m
b) 50 m
c) 100 m
d) 150 m

21. The most expensive and stressed part of the heat pump is:
a) expansion valve
b) metal frame
c) evaporator
d) compressor

Heat pumps 45
22. The heat pump uses coolant to:
a) transfer energy
b) cool movable parts
c) grease movable parts
d) stabilise operating mode

23. Most often used coolant nowadays is:

a) R12
b) R22
c) R407c
d) NH3

24. The photograph depicts:

a) compressor
b) circulation pump
c) thermostatic valve
d) dehydration filter

25. The coolant entering the compressor is:

a) liquid
b) mainly liquid
c) gaseous
d) solid

26. The circled part is:

a) compressor
b) thermostatic valve
c) filter
d) circulation pump

46 Heat pumps
27. Which of the items in the schematic represents the evaporator?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

28. The expansion valve pressure of the coolant:

a) decreases
b) increases
c) does not affect

Heat pumps 47
48 Heat pumps
7 Glossary of terms

The definitions in this glossary refer to the words or terms used in this
educational material.

A
Absorbent - stuff able to absorb coolant vapours in the heat pump
based on absorption principle.
Absorber - part of the absorption heat pump in which heat is trans-
ferred
Absorption principle - uses heat to compress coolant in the heat
pump
Acid rains - factories send gases and chemicals into air. They mix and
then fall back to the Earth as acid rains killing fish and trees.

B
Bivalent principle - the heat pump operating mode with additional
heat source which switches on when outside temperature decreases to
support the heat pump or hands over its function.
Brim - general name for antifreeze filled in collectors to extract heat
from a low temperature heat source. It is usually a blend of water and
polyethylene glycol.

C
CFC - coolants based on halogenated hydrocarbons known as Freon.
Due to ecological reasons they are no longer allowed to use.
Circulation pump - device ensuring coolant circulation
Compact - heat pump construction that covers all components in
common frame designed either for inside or outside location.
Compressor - the most important part of the heat pump which sucks
and compresses the gaseous coolant and deliver it to the condenser
where it changes into liquid passing its heat to heating media.
Condenser - heat exchanger providing transfer of heat from hot com-
pressed coolant which condenses in the primary circuit passing the
heat to heating media in the secondary circuit.
Coolant - working fluid of the heat pump which ensures transfer of
heat. It is easy to evaporate or liquefy it.
Coolant collector - pressure container serving as a storage tank of
all the liquid coolant in a heat pump and a bubble separator. It ensures
only liquid to enter the thermostatic valve.
COP - Coefficient of Operating Performance

D
Dehydration filter - device in the pipe of liquid coolant which remo-
ves mechanical impurities as well as moisture from the coolant.

Heat pumps 49
E
Evaporator - heat exchanger for which transfers heat between low
potential heat source and coolant.
Expansion valve - thermostatic valve injecting through its nozzle a
liquid coolant to the evaporator controlled by pipe pressure and tem-
perature.

F
Fossil fuel - fuel which has been created in the earth for millions of
years from necrotic biomass (coal, crude oil, natural gas)
Freon - coolant based on halogenated hydrocarbons with harmful
effect on the environment

G
Global warming - increase of average temperature on the earth due
to emissions of greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases - any of the gases that are thought to cause the
greenhouse effect, especially carbon dioxide.

H
HCFC - coolant called „ light“ Freon. Not used in heat pumps at pre-
sent.
Heat exchanger - device you use to transfer heat of a media to
another media without mutual contact
HFC - coolant with a decreased negative impact on environment. The
most used now is R407c.
Heating power - the sum of heat transferred from the evaporator to
the condenser and heat developed in the compressor
Heat pump - device extracting heat from low potential heat sources
which is in common way unusable for heating

I
Inspection window - enables watching of liquid coolant flowing in
the pipe; e.g. occurrence of bubbles indicating a failure or a lack of
coolant
Irreversible valve - a piston or a valve which lets the liquid cool-
ant flow only one way

L
Low-temperature heat - environmental heat (earth, water, air) due
to its low temperature unusable for direct heating or water heating.

M
Monovalent mode - operating mode in which a heat pump is the
only source of heat

50 Heat pumps
P
Photovoltaic cell - usually a silicon chip with a P-N junction created
which generates electrical voltage after sunshine falls to its surface
Presostat - adjustable pressure switch watching pressure in the cool-
ant circuit
Primary sources - natural sources of fuel

R
RES - renewable energy sources (earth, water, wind, biomass)–
nature continually restores extracted energy. They have no harmful
impact on the environment.

S
Scroll - up to date compressor construction using two metal spirals,
one of them orbiting inside the other, to compress coolant
SFC - Seasonal Performance Factor is the ratio of all produced heat to
the energy supplied within the season.
Solar collector - device you used to change solar energy to heat
energy
Split - air-to-water heat pump design consisting of the outside unit
(the evaporator and the fan) and the inside unit (the compressor, the
condenser, switches and the control system)

T
Thermodynamics - science that deals with the relations between
heat and other forms of energy.
Thermostat - device that measures and controls the temperature of
a machine or room, by switching the heating or cooling system on and
off .
Thermostatic valve - see the expansion valve

Heat pumps 51
52 Heat pumps
 8 Teacher’s handbook

8.1 Introduction
The educational material “ Heat Pumps” is designed for a short intro-
ductory course on heat pumps to provide students with basic informa-
tion on energy of our surroundings and its using through heat pumps.
Admission requirements include basic knowledge of physics (thermo-
dynamics) , function of basic technical parts (such as a valve or a
pump) and simple arithmetic operations.

8.2 Course description

The course is designed to strenghten “ environmental” attitude of the
students towards energy using and saving. Target groups are mainly
secondary school students (level 2, level 3) and workers on further
education or retraining schemes. The textbook is designed for instruc-
tors leading the course and students but it can be used as well as by
interested people for individual study.

The course is only theoretical. Instructors are advised to get in touch

with a local company dealing with heat pumps, if possible, and via a
short excursion provide students with a first-hand practical expe-
rience on heat pump parts, their functions and parameters.
Regarding the fast development instructors are advised to update data
via internet or media.

1. Energy consumption and renewable sources:

Gives information on energy demands of present days including nega-
tive effects on environment. and presents available energy of our sur-
roundings (ground, air, water).

2. Heat pump:
Provides definition and explain function of the heat pump. The chapter
describes two main principles of heat pumps (compression and
absorption), lists parameters in general and operating modes. The
heat pumps are divided according cooled and heated stuff describing
the primary source and the construction.

3. Basic heat pumps components:

Describes basic parts (a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve,
an evaporator) and some additional parts. To support comprehension
the chapter includes a lot of schemas and photographs of real heat
pump parts.

4. Heat pump in a detached house:

Deals with the situation you have decided to equip your detached
house with a heat pump. Based on the simple examples leads stu-

Heat pumps 53
 dents through the choice of the primary source, the ways of funding
and sizing the heat pump.

5. Present state and outlook of heat pumps:

Shows the present state in the Czech Republic and some European
countries and indicates the possible future development.

6.Questions
To check comprehension the questions are provided including answers
in Teacher handbook.

7.Glossary of terms
Explains the terms and abbreviations used in the course.

8. Teacher handbook
Provides instructors and teachers with information on how to deal with
the course.

8.3 Course objectives

After completing this course students are able to:
Describe the function and advantages of the heat pump
List types of heat pumps
List main parts of the heat pump and their functions
Consider conditions in case of choosing the heat pump

8.4 Course outline

The following table lists the course outline for the Heat pump course:

Day AM PM
08.30-10.00 10.30-12.00 13.00-14.30 15.00-16.30
1 Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
2 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6

8.5 Media
To present information, specially figures and schemas, a PC with a
data projector should be available. If not, the instructor can prepare
slides for an overhead projector in advance.
It is highly recommended to have access to Internet in order to pro-
vide students with the latest information from suitable web sites (see
the sources below).

Students can get either the whole printed textbook or some hardco-
pies. In case of functional computer network the course can be uploa-
ded on the server e.g. as a pdf file or better as an e-learning course.

54 Heat pumps
8.6 Instructor feedback
For feed back on this course, please contact:
Ing. Jaroslav Chlubny
COPT KROMERIZ, NABELKOVA 539,
767 01 KROMERIZ, CZECH REPUBLIC
telephone: +420 573 335 211, +420 573 335 212, +420 573 335 214
fax: +420 573 335 215
e-mail:[email protected]

8.7 Conventions used

The “Glossary of terms” explains the abbreviations that are used in
this document.

8.8 Sources
For the development of this course, the following sources have been
used:

www.tzb.cz
www.tzb-info.cz
www.heatpumpcentre.org
www.bestechvacuum.com
www.tecer.cz
www.mastertherm.cz

Heat pumps 55
8.9 Questions and answer
1. The original source of most energy on the earth is:
a) sunshine

2. Fossil fuels were created:

b) from necrotic biomass

3. Which does not belong to fossil fuels?

d) biomass

4. Worldwide energy consumption is covered by burning fossil fuels

from about:
d) 90%

5. Great „ popularity “of fossil fuels is caused by:

d) high density of energy

6. The greenhouse effect is mainly caused by emissions of:

b) CO2

7. From renewable energy sources most used in the Czech Republic

nowadays is:
a) water energy

8. The most promising renewable energy source in the Czech

Republic seems to be:
c) biomass

9. Heat accumulated in surroundings is not commonly used

because of:
d) too low temperature

10. The heat pump energy:

b) pumps

11. Heat accumulated close to ground surface develops mainly due

to:
a) accumulation of sunshine

12. Temperature of 50 0C occurs on average at a depth:

c) 1500 m

13. The highest average temperature is achieved by:

d) waste heat

14. The low temperature heat source hands over its heat to the
coolant at
a) evaporator

56 Heat pumps
15. The heat pump which consumes 0,75 kWh of electrical drive
energy producing 3 kWh has the COP:
d) 4

16. When the temperature gap between the low-temperature heat

source and the heating media increases, the COP:
b) decreases

17. The heat pump operating in bivalent mode:

b) above certain outdoor temperature uses a supplementary
source

18. The air-to-water heat pump operates:

c) at under zero temperatures

19. The ground-to-water heat pump with ground collectors should

heat a detached house of a surface area 220 m2. The required
area to lay down the collectors is about.
c) 660 m2

20. We plan to get 5 kW through drilled holes of a ground-to-water

heat pump. What approximately should be the depth of holes
supposing the soil is enough moisture?
b) 50 m

21. The most expensive and stressed part of the heat pump is:
d) compressor

22. The heat pump uses coolant to:

a) transfer energy

23. Most often used coolant nowadays is:

c) R407c

24. The photograph depicts:

b) circulation pump

25. The coolant entering the compressor is:

a) liquid

26. The circled part is:

a) compressor

27. Which of the items in the schematic represents the evaporator?

a) 1

28. The expansion valve pressure of the coolant:

a) decreases

Heat pumps 57
58 Heat pumps