A heat pump is a highly efficient, environmentally friendly and energy-saving heating and cooling system that works on the principle of transferring thermal energy from one place to another. Its application areas are wide and it has become one of the most popular solutions in modern building engineering due to its sustainability and low operating costs.
How does a heat pump work?
The operating principle of heat pumps is the Carnot cycle, during which:
Heat recovery: The system uses a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the outdoor air, ground or water (source side).
The heat transfer medium evaporates at low temperatures and absorbs thermal energy.
Temperature increase: The compressor compresses the refrigerant, which increases its temperature.
Heat transfer: The high-temperature refrigerant transfers heat to the heating system (e.g. underfloor heating, radiators, hot water tank).
Refrigerant recooling: The pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are reduced, and then the cycle starts again.
Types of heat pumps
Air-to-water heat pump: Uses the heat from the outdoor air for heating, cooling and hot water production.
Advantages: Easy installation, low investment cost.
Disadvantages: Efficiency may decrease in cold weather.
Ground-source heat pump: Uses the earth's heat reserves, which ensures a stable temperature.
Advantages: High efficiency, independent of the outside weather.
Disadvantages: High installation cost due to soil probes or collectors.
Water-to-water heat pump: It obtains heat from a surface or underground water source.
Advantages: Very high efficiency.
Disadvantages: Location-specific, requires a water source.
Air-to-air heat pump: Heat transfer occurs directly through the air, for example in air conditioning systems.
Advantages: Fast temperature control.
Disadvantages: Only suitable for heating and cooling air, not for producing hot water.
Heat pump advantages
Energy efficiency: Heat pumps can produce up to 3-5 times more energy than they use ( COP = 3–5).
Environmentally friendly operation: Reduces fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Flexible use: Suitable for heating, cooling and hot water production at the same time.
Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial investment cost may be higher, it results in lower operating costs in the long run.
Subsidies and incentives: Government subsidies are available in many countries for the installation of heat pumps.
Heat pump efficiency examples
| Type | COP value (average) | Outside temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | 3.5–4 | +7 °C |
| Ground-water heat pump | 4.5–5.5 | +10 °C |
| Water-to-water heat pump | 5–6 | +10 °C |
Summary
The heat pump is a modern, sustainable and energy-efficient solution that provides heating, cooling and domestic hot water at the same time. Its low operating costs, environmentally friendly operation and wide range of application possibilities make it one of the most popular heating and cooling technologies of the future.