HEAT PUMPS

Question 1

What is the purpose of a heat pump?

Answer 1

To extract heat from the environment and transfer it to a desired location. Regulates temperature by transferring heat from a lower temperature source to a higher temperature destination.

Question 2

Name the components of a heat pump and their roles.

Answer 2

Compressor: Increases temperature and pressure
Condenser: Releases heat to desired output
Expansion Valve: Controls flow and reduces pressure
Evaporator: Absorbs heat from environment

Question 3

How to calculate coefficient of performance COP

Answer 3

COP= Qc/Qc-Qe
Qc = heat gain
Qe = heat of environment?

Question 4

What applications are heat pumps best suited for?

Answer 4

Moderate temperature applications (underfloor heating)

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)?

Answer 5

To evaluate the overall energy efficiency.

Question 6

Name the two categories of heat pumps.

Answer 6

Air source heat pump (ASHP)
Ground source heat pump (GSHP)

Question 7

Describe ASHP, its advantages, influential factors and sources.

Answer 7

Serves as primary heat source, outdoor air passes over coil then refrigerant absorbs heat energy from air.

Low initial cost, simplicity of installation, site versatility

Outdoor temperature, Insulation, System size

Ambient air - freely available
Internal (exhaust) air- Higher temps than ambient, limited availability.

Question 8

Describe GSHP, its advantages, disadvantages and sources.

Answer 8

Utilises heat from ground as source

Consistent Temp, Higher efficiency, Low OpEx

Installation Cost, ground space, maintenance requirements

Groundwater - stable and mild in W, cool in S. Good heat transfer, extraction difficulties, filtration required
Earth - Stable at mild temps, good heat transfer, good availability