Operation of a Heat Pump
1.1 Evaporation (evaporator)
1.2 Compression (compressor)
1.3 Condensing (condenser)
1.4 Expansion (expansion valve)
Air Source Heat Pumps
2.1 Diagram of an Air-to-Air Heat Pump
2.2 Diagram of an Air-to-Water Heat Pump
2.3 How Does an Air-to-Water Heat Pump Work?
Diagram of a Geothermal Heat Pump
Diagram of a Water-to-Water Heat Pump
Comparison of Various Heat Pumps
As the global push for sustainable and efficient heating accelerates, heat pumps are becoming the preferred choice for residential and commercial applications. They are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile for various heating needs. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), heat pumps are three to five times more efficient than traditional heating methods like gas boilers, offering a COP (Coefficient of Performance) around 4.
In this guide, we will explore detailed diagrams and explanations of different heat pump types, from air-to-air systems to geothermal models, and uncover why they are a smarter choice for your heating requirements.
For more details on our full range of products, visit the SolarEast Heating Heat Pump Solutions page.
Understanding how heat pumps operate is the first step to appreciating their efficiency and versatility. Let’s take a closer look at the diagram of a heat pump and understand each step of the process.
In this initial stage, the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat energy from an external source—air, water, or ground. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, even at outdoor temperatures as low as -25℃, it evaporates into a low-pressure gas. SolarEast's advanced evaporator design maximizes heat collection, even in colder environments.
As shown in the diagram, air drawn in by the outdoor unit transfers its heat to the refrigerant, which becomes gas after passing through the evaporator. This is the beginning of the thermodynamic cycle that powers the entire heating process.
The vaporized refrigerant then enters the compressor. SolarEast uses full inverter compressor technology, which dynamically adjusts its operating speed to meet heating demands efficiently. Compression raises the refrigerant's pressure and significantly increases its temperature, preparing it for effective heat transfer.
The compressor not only increases the pressure and temperature but also ensures consistent performance across varying heating loads, providing maximum efficiency.
In the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas releases its heat to the water or air used for heating the home. As the refrigerant loses heat, it condenses back into a liquid. Our heat pump schematic diagram clearly illustrates this vital step in the heat transfer process.
The fully heated refrigerant efficiently transfers its energy to the heating circuit, whether it's water for radiators, underfloor heating, or fan coil units.
Before returning to the evaporator, the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature. This prepares the refrigerant for the next cycle of heat absorption, ensuring continuous, efficient heating. Thanks to SolarEast’s precision expansion control, energy loss is minimized, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Finally, the refrigerant, having released its heat, captures heat from the air again, thus continuing the efficient cycle.
Air source heat pumps are among the most popular choices for modern heating systems due to their easy installation and wide applicability. This section includes a heat pump schematic diagram to explain the process clearly.
[Insert Diagram: Air-to-Air Heat Pump Diagram]
Air-to-air heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air and transfer it directly indoors. They are ideal for residential spaces, offering heating in winter and cooling in summer.
The operating principles of air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps are similar. However, in a monobloc air-to-air heat pump, all four stages of the refrigerant’s thermodynamic cycle occur within a single compartment. In contrast, a split heat pump includes an outdoor and indoor unit, where the refrigerant cycle happens across both units.
[Insert Diagram: Air-to-Water Heat Pump]
These systems extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to a water circuit, providing hot water for underfloor heating, radiators, and domestic hot water.
An air-to-water heat pump operates in a closed-loop cycle:
Evaporation: The refrigerant absorbs heat from outdoor air.
Compression: Compressing the refrigerant increases its temperature.
Condensation: Heat is transferred to the water circuit.
Expansion: The refrigerant cools and the cycle repeats.
SolarEast enhances this process with smart defrost logic, refrigerant sensors, and microbubble valves to maximize performance and efficiency. To understand this better, refer to the air-to-water heat pump diagram for a visual explanation.
Geothermal heat pumps utilize the stable temperatures underground to provide highly efficient heating.
These systems transfer heat into or out of the ground using the thermodynamic cycle of the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. They use a closed loop of pipes buried horizontally or vertically, or even submerged in a water source, to capture energy efficiently throughout the seasons.
The efficiency of GSHPs is measured by the coefficient of performance (COP), typically ranging from 3 to 6, which means the equipment provides 3-6 joules of heat for every joule of electrical power consumed.
[Insert Diagram: Water-to-Water Heat Pump]
Water-to-water heat pumps draw energy from groundwater or surface water sources.
The system involves a supply well and a return well to achieve heating and cooling functions. The heat pump extracts groundwater from the supply well, which is then returned to the ground through the return well. This system efficiently utilizes the natural energy of water to heat residential or production hot water systems.
When considering the best heat pump system for your application, it's important to compare several key factors, including efficiency, installation complexity, and suitability for your climate. Here’s an expanded comparison of various heat pumps:
| Heat Pump Type | Efficiency (COP) | Installation Complexity | Ideal Temperature Range | Lifespan (Approx.) | Initial Investment | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-Air | 3.5 - 4.0 | Easy | -5℃ to 35℃ | 10-15 years | Low | Mild climates, residential |
| Air-to-Water | 4.5 - 4.9 | Moderate | -25℃ to 45℃ | 15-20 years | Medium | Residential & commercial |
| Geothermal | 4.8 - 5.0 | High | -30℃ to 40℃ | 20-25 years | High | Large properties, cold areas |
| Water-to-Water | 4.5 - 5.0 | Moderate-High | 0℃ to 40℃ | 15-20 years | High | Buildings near water sources |
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps are excellent for homes in moderate climates, offering both heating and cooling. However, their efficiency drops in freezing conditions.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps, like SolarEast models, are highly versatile. Operating from -25℃ to 45℃, they ensure reliable heating even in extreme conditions.
Geothermal Heat Pumps offer exceptional efficiency and long lifespan but come with higher installation costs.
Water-to-Water Heat Pumps are perfect for properties with access to groundwater, combining efficiency with sustainability.
SolarEast’s air-to-water heat pump stands out with its advanced R290 refrigerant and full inverter technology, providing exceptional performance across diverse climates.
From air-to-air to geothermal systems, heat pumps offer versatile, energy-efficient heating solutions for homes and businesses alike. With advanced features, smart controls, and outstanding performance, SolarEast heating heat pumps stand at the forefront of sustainable heating technology.
Designed for operation in ambient temperatures from -25℃ to 45℃, our systems maintain high efficiency even in extreme climates. The use of R290 refrigerant, coupled with full inverter compressor technology, ensures maximum energy savings and compliance with international environmental standards (learn more here).
Our smart control features and OTA updates enable real-time performance optimization, while compatibility with hybrid systems offers flexibility for diverse installation scenarios.
For more details on heat pump technology and market trends, refer to the latest insights from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Ready to upgrade your heating system? Contact our team today to explore SolarEast solutions tailored for your needs!
