Description
This project is focused on solutions based on heat pumps air/water including inverter technology. This is one of the main trends in the actual market, where currently two heat pump systems exist: the module inside the housing which shows maintenance difficulties and problems related to comfort and complexity (big modules inside the housing; and the module outside the housing), which is a very competitive solution and does not cover the demand of all sectors, particularly requirements in Nordic countries. The most severe problem in Nordic countries is the freezing of pipes coming from the outdoor unit into the house when outside temperatures are below freezing. The freezing of the pipes may lead to breakage of the circuit. The proposed solution is to separate the components of the heat pump by placing some of them inside the house. A system of renewable energy based on heat pump (range 5-15kW), cold weather, high energy efficiency for space heating and Domestic Hot Water will be developed in this project. With this solution the heat transport to the house is performed by the refrigerant itself (which is not frozen) instead of glycol water (outdoor solution)
Summary of project results
Heating with renewable energies is one of the top market trends in Europe. The ErP legislation starting in August 2015 will even increase this trend even more. Air-to-water heat pumps are developing particularly well as sustainable and CO2 free heating. In this context, the main objective of the project was to develop a high efficiency air-to-water heat pump system (range 5-15kW) for heating and acclimatization and domestic hot water production. The project is considered a great success. The energy efficiency has been improved in a 10%, obtaining COP values of 4,8 against the previous 4,3. The energy labelling of the products are the maximum allowed by the ERP directive, which is A+++, and this is a very important feature. Other important outcomes of the project are the increase in the water temperature up to 63,5 ºC, the noise of the machines has been reduced significantly, and the environmental impact too, with a product using less material and less amount of refrigerant.
Summary of bilateral results