8 Key Components of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps serve as an effective, energy-efficient solution for maintaining desirable ambient temperatures within buildings. As experts in heat pump components and accessories, in this guide we explore the key parts and components found within heat pump systems that contribute to their function.

What are heat pump systems?

Unlike heat-generative systems, heat pump systems bi-directionally transfer heat between warm and cold spaces, typically from the building and surrounding environment, to change internal temperatures.

As a result, heat pump systems effectively regulate comfortable building temperatures through seasonal changes, reversing the direction of the heat transfer process to achieve either a heating or cooling effect.

What are the key components of heat pump systems?

Despite differences in function between various heat pump types, heat pump systems commonly rely on a number of key components to function:

Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a substance used to circulate and transfer heat through the heat pump system. To ensure transitions between liquid and gaseous states as required, chemicals with low boiling-point temperature properties (typically below -25 °C) are selected, allowing for the evaporation and condensation of the refrigerant throughout the system.

As the boiling points of refrigerants are below common room and environment temperatures, heat pump systems are capable of producing heating and cooling effects in hot and cold seasons alike.

Heat Exchangers

Located inside and outside of the building, the role and function of the heat exchangers differ depending on whether a heating or cooling effect is selected for the internal building temperature.

In internal cooling mode, the internal heat exchanger acts as an evaporator coil, absorbing heat from the internal air thereby raising the temperature of the refrigerant. As the refrigerant passes through the system and transitions to a gaseous state, the external heat exchanger functions as a condenser coil, returning the refrigerant to a liquid state. This has the effect of transferring heat from the building to the outdoor environment, lowering the internal temperature.

In internal heating mode, the external heat exchanger functions as an evaporator coil, raising the temperature of the refrigerant from the ambient outdoor air. As the refrigerant passes through the components of the heat pump system, it is then condensed in the internal heat exchanger which functions as the condenser coil. As a result, heat energy is transferred to the building, returning the refrigerant to a liquid state. This heat energy can then be transferred to a closed water loop in a water tank, for circulation through internal heating systems.

Compressor

Compressors perform a vital role in the function of heat pump systems, pumping the refrigerant throughout the system.

Compressors increase the pressure of the refrigerant in its gaseous state, resulting in a significant temperature increase in the circulating substance. By raising the temperature of the refrigerant beyond that of the ambient temperature before entry into the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can effectively transfer heat energy in the condenser coil to the chosen environment as required.

Expansion Valves

Expansion valves control the flow of the refrigerant through the system's components.

In contrast to the compressor, expansion valves reduce the pressure of the refrigerant, thereby lowering the temperature of the circulating substance to support transitions to a liquid state.

Reversing Valves

The reversing valve plays an important role in dictating whether the system is in heating or cooling mode. The reversing valve redirects the flow of the refrigerant through two separate pipes connected.

Buffer Tanks

Buffer tanks are a common addition to heat pump systems, serving as a thermal reservoir for water. By providing a reserve for warm or cold water, the heat pump system can run for extended periods to increase operational efficiency. As a result, heat pumps are not required to cycle on and off to maintain building temperature, reducing wear and tear on the system's components.

At Altecnic, we offer a range of high-quality buffer tanks to suit a range of heat pump systems.

Expansion Vessels

In internal heating mode, heat pump systems increase the temperature of the water in a building’s water tank and pipes. This results in an expansion of water volume, increasing the pressure in the building’s closed water loop.

Expansion vessels offer an effective solution for preventing pressure buildups in closed water loops, featuring a pressurised air chamber to accommodate for increased volume. This in turn reduces damage to the pipes and components in the water loop.

At Altecnic, we offer a comprehensive range of expansion vessels to suit your heat pump system.

Antifreeze Valves

Antifreeze valves work to protect the closed water loop from damage resulting from water freezing in pipes and components.

Antifreeze valves automatically drain water from the pipework in the closed water loop when the temperature of the water drops below freezing point. This helps to prevent pipes and components from cracking from frozen water.

At Altecnic, we offer a range of high-quality antifreeze valves to protect your components from damage in your closed water loop.

Dirt and Air Separation

Specific requirement of a heat pump system means a dirt and air filter should be used that is purposely designed for heat pump systems. For example, a filter that allows the installer to adjust and restrict the flow rate passing through the device by 50% increase the KV value and reduces the energy used by the heat pump.

Your trusted supplier of heat pump parts

At Altecnic, we have over 30 years of experience in supplying high-quality components, used within heat pump systems. Explore our range of heat pump parts and components, or contact our friendly, expert team for more information.