REHVA Journal &#; October
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Francesco Amato
Export Sales Manager
Thermocold
Costruzioni
Recent years are characterized by important changes in the energy sector, which mean more efficient integrated projects focusing on innovative technologies.
Current laws show that the main objectives are the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gases emissions and the use of renewable energy sources.
The design approach has also changed: buildings should be viewed as a set, fully balanced, identifying not efficient elements, reducing heat loss, unnecessary consumption and increasing efficiency of the equipment.
Manufacturers, consultant and customers plan to reduce energy consumption and reducing pollutant emissions.
The climate sector moves towards the application of electrical and electronic technologies since they are: eco-sustainable products with high energy efficiency and integration with renewable energy with low CO
2
emissions and opportunity to eliminate the use of non-renewable energies.
Challenges and opportunities for heat pump technology
The possible solution to work towards eco-sustainable products with high energy efficiency and integration with renewable energy is the replacement of boilers for heating and hot sanitary water production by heat pumps.
The advantages are obvious:
· Possibility of exploitation of renewable energies (air, water, geothermal);
· High efficiency (COP ever higher);
· Increase of the energy efficiency rating of buildings (A+);
· Reduction of CO2 emissions (best performance even compared with condensing boilers);
· Reduced use of primary energy;
· Versatility of use: seasonal employment winter / summer;
· Economic benefits from taxation;
· Using where natural gas networks does not exist;
· They do not need chimneys;
· No need for places where the demands of fire fighting;
· They do not need gas supply contracts;
· Possibility to use special power rates.
But using traditional heat pumps we face, at times, a number of problems. While functioning satisfactorily in summer, have some problems, well known, in the winter:
· Reduction of heating capacity when outdoor temperature decreases;
· The need for over sizing the project;
· The high mechanical stress in case of high temperature of water with low air temperatures (increase of compression ratio with the drastic decrease in isentropic efficiency);
· Time required to eliminate the risk of legionella is greater as lower the water temperature;
· Almost always installations with standard heat pumps are complemented by traditional energy sources (boilers, electric heaters) to reach the limits of power and temperature;
· For hot sanitary water it is required a three-way valve with an additional heater in the tank (double exchange) which causes a significant loss of efficiency (performance decreases of about 7%);
· Impossibility to obtain the hot sanitary water temperature above 55°C;
· The need for buffer tank for hot water high-volume to meet the need in the morning.
By reversing the cycle on the water evaporator/condenser it is possible to supply the air conditioning users; at the same time the unit can produce hot water for sanitary use with an additional dedicated water exchanger.
The operating modes of a multifunctional unit during the whole annual period are:
· During WINTER:
o Only Heat pump mode (Hot water production for heating);
o Heat pump + sanitary mode (Hot water production for heating or for sanitary use with priority on sanitary circuit);
· During MIDDLE SEASONS:
o Heat pump mode for hot sanitary water production;
· During SUMMER:
o Only Chiller mode (Cold water production for air conditioning);
o Chiller + sanitary mode (Cold water production for air conditioning and simultaneous free hot water for sanitary use).
The main advantages of the use of a multifunctional unit in place of a standard heat pump are:
· High energy efficiency;
· Dedicated exchanger for hot sanitary water production;
· No integration of electrical heater;
· Elimination of double water / water exchange;
· Free hot sanitary water during summer cycle.
Two stage multifunctional unit
In some applications high temperature hot water is required. However with the simple cycle system is not possible to reach temperatures above 65°C as reaching the outlet water temperature at 80°C would require theoretically a compression ratio of about 7 and the coolant temperature (R134a) of 140°C.
The above mentioned operating conditions is not feasible with components developed and designed so far, besides it would bring additional negative effects, such as lubrication problems, abnormal stress of the components, very low efficiency, etc.
In order to overcome these problems the only feasible solution is to split the temperature difference in a cascade of two cycles. The use of two different refrigerants allows to exploit the best performance of each refrigerant combining a wide scale of advantages.
Figure 1 represents a patented cascade cycle applied in Thermocold DUO unit.
Figure 1.Thermodynamic cycle cascade cycle heat pump in pressure &#; enthalpy diagram.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Forlssman.
The low-pressure cycle operates with R410a and the high-pressure cycle with R134a. The choice is optimized for winter heating application, since the R410A is a well performing with low outdoor temperature while the R134A is the refrigerant perfectly designed for high pressure and temperatures.
By a simple comparison and considering operating temperature between 55°C for condensation and &#;5°C for evaporation, a standard single cycle need a compression ration about 7, while the double cycle will have a low and an high pressure cycle with a ratio between 2.5 and 3.2.
Therefore provided that all the scroll compressor exploit the highest isentropic efficiency in this range of compression ratio (2.5 &#; 3.5), the case of DUO® the isentropic efficiency is becoming maximum.
Furthermore mechanical stresses are directly proportional to the compression ratio. Dividing the compression into two-stages, it is possible to reduce by half the compression ratio of each of the compressors. According to the data provided by manufacturers of compressors the average lifetime of compressors operating in the "normal" conditions is 40 000 hours. The average lifetime in the double-cycle units is 60 000 hours, thus increasing the useful life of about 50% because they work better and avoiding the mechanical stress.
By considering what stated above, the combination of a cascade compression cycle with the multifunctional technology will offer an optimal solution for the actual market requirements.
High heating capacity even at low outdoor temperatures
DUO® overcomes the limitations of traditional heat pumps (strong decrease in performance with low outdoor temperature) in addition to providing winter heating, summer cooling and hot sanitary water (HOT SANITARY WATER) up to 80°C retaining a constant heating capacity at different outdoor temperatures down to &#;20°C.
Figure 2.Constant heating capacity of DUO® heat pump system.
DUO®is a multifunctional unit where the key of this innovation is the advanced electronic system that allows to manage complex refrigeration cycles in an interactive way through a full inverter technology allowing to set up different and completely independent set points for HOT SANITARY WATER, winter heating, summer cooling and also managing with absolute fluidity the Digital Defrost System (intelligent digital technology defrost).
The use of primary energy of DUO®is both substantially lower than a methane condensing boiler and a last generation heat pump.
The two-stage DUO®units are equipped with Full Inverter technology to ensure maximum efficiency, much higher than traditional heat pumps. Both compressors of low and high pressure, such as fans and circulation pumps are with inverter in combination with electronic expansion valves and high-performance heat exchangers.
Figure 3.Comparison of COP between DUO®and standard heat pumps.
The two-stages next generation units are completed by the new technological defrost system: with this function, the electronic control system minimizes the number of reversing cycle in the heating mode while the unit is operating in cooling mode.
The Digital Defrost, used in these units, is a digital self-adaptive defrosting system able to prevent the production of frost and only allows the defrost cycle in case of real presence of frost on the coils fins.
Modulating the frequency of the inverter compressor according to the outdoor temperature keeps the evaporation temperature above the boundary conditions of frost formation, thereby reducing the number of defrost cycles, so much negative as required, in standard heat pumps.
To achieve the best possible conditions of comfort and above all for maximum energy savings, the control system has been equipped with the function of DSP (Dynamic Set Point), allowing temporary change of set point according to the change of outdoor temperature. With this system it can be maintained the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor by varying the set point, reducing consumption and preventing thermal shock. On the other hand it allows to decrease the set point when the thermal load increases on time.
The possibility to produce hot water at 80°C with two-cycle units offers another important advantage about the problem of Legionella. The Legionellabacteria reaches its maximum growth at water temperatures between 25 and 40°C. Having the opportunity to have water temperature of 80°C, it can be performed automatic cycles of sanitation, eliminating harmful bacteria, even when working with lower water temperatures.
Multifunctional unit DUO® is available into packaged or split versions
In facilities with split versions it can be eliminated glycol regardless of outdoor temperature if the high-pressure unit is installed inside the building and the interconnection with the low pressure unit is made through refrigerant lines.
Figure 4.Split version of DUO® DUO®heat pump system.
The versatility of the multifunctional units with dual thermodynamic cycle allows simultaneous heating and cooling in four-pipes solutions with the additional advantages that this system involves rationalization of energy when the thermal load is very erratic.
Figure 5.Four-pipe solution of double cycle DUO® heat pump system.
In conclusion energy saving is the most clean and affordable form of energy and the use of heat pump allows the achievement of targets for primary energy savings, increase of renewable energy and reduction of CO2emissions.
Therefore the heat pump can be regarded as a technology able to make a tangible contribution to the environmental strategies of the European Community.
The double cycle multifunctional unit DUO® combines and enhances all the merits of the traditional heat pumps (in terms of energy, reduction of pollutants, safety, availability of the fuel, etc.), without being penalized by the limits (minimum capacities at low outside temperatures, low outlet hot water temperatures, high stress on the components in extreme conditions, etc.).
The use of DUO® unit in place of a traditional plant with a boiler combined with a chiller unit, allows a considerable simplification of the plant itself and consequently an increase in reliability of the system given by the presence of a smaller number of components.
DUO® applied in residential buildings, allows to produce free hot water during the summer to all homes, allowing a large energy recovery.
Ultimately, thanks to the constancy of the thermal performance, the large choice of design flow temperature, even at very low outdoor temperatures, combined with the reliability of components not subjected to high mechanical stress, DUO® allows to overcome the prejudice that has so far accompanied the use of heat pumps as the only element of the production of hot or chilled water.
So, what is a heat pump? A heat pump is part of a home heating and cooling system and is installed outside your home. Like an air conditioner such as central air, it can cool your home, but it&#;s also capable of providing heat. In cooler months, a heat pump pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors, and in warmer months, it pulls heat out of indoor air to cool your home. They are powered by electricity and transfer heat using refrigerant to provide comfort all year round. Because they are able to both heat and cool a residence, homeowners may not need to install separate systems to heat their homes. In colder climates, an electric heat strip can be added to the indoor fan coil for additional capabilities. Heat pumps do not burn fossil fuels like furnaces do, making them more environmentally friendly.
The two most common types of heat pumps are air-source and ground-source. Air-source heat pumps transfer heat between indoor air and outdoor air, and are more popular for residential heating and cooling.
Ground-source heat pumps, sometimes called geothermal heat pumps, transfer heat between the air inside your home and the ground outside. These are more expensive to install but are typically more efficient and have a lower operating cost due to the consistency of the ground temperature throughout the year.
How does a heat pump work? Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another by different air or heat sources. Air source heat pumps move heat between the air inside a home and the air outside a home, while ground source heat pumps (known as geothermal heat pumps) transfer heat between the air inside a home and the ground outside a home. We will focus on air source heat pumps, but the basic operation is the same for both.
Despite the name, heat pumps do not generate heat &#; they move heat from one place to another. A furnace creates heat that is distributed throughout a home, but a heat pump absorbs heat energy from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and transfers it to the indoor air. When in cooling mode a heat pump and an air conditioner are functionally identical, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it through the outdoor unit. Click here for more information about heat pumps vs air conditioners.
When considering which type of system is best for your home, several important factors should be considered, including the size of the home and the local climate. A local Carrier dealer has the expertise to properly evaluate your specific needs and help you make the right decision.
Homeowners in need of a new heating or cooling system, may consider the type of climate they live in before purchasing a heat pump system. Heat pumps are more common in milder climates, where the temperature does not typically drop below freezing. In colder regions, they can also be combined with furnaces for energy-efficient heating on all but the coldest days. When the temperature outside drops too low for the heat pump to operate effectively, the system will instead use the furnace to generate heat. This kind of system is often called a dual fuel system &#; it is very energy efficient and cost effective.
A typical air source heat pump system consists of two major components, an outdoor unit (which looks just like the outdoor unit of a split-system air conditioning system) and an indoor air handler unit. Both the indoor and outdoor unit contain various important sub-components.
The outdoor unit contains a coil and a fan. The coil operates as either a condenser (in cooling mode) or an evaporator (in heating mode). The fan blows outside air over the coil to facilitate the heat exchange.
Like the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, commonly referred to as the air handler unit, contains a coil and a fan. The coil acts as an evaporator (in cooling mode) or a condenser (in heating mode). The fan is responsible for moving air across the coil and throughout the ducts in the home.
The refrigerant is the substance that absorbs and rejects heat as it circulates throughout the heat pump system.
The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it throughout the system.
The part of the heat pump system that reverses the flow of refrigerant, allowing the system to operate in the opposite direction and switch between heating and cooling.
The expansion valve acts as a metering device, regulating the flow of the refrigerant as it passes through the system, allowing for a reduction of pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.
Heat pumps do not create heat. They redistribute heat from the air or ground and use a refrigerant that circulates between the indoor fan coil (air handler) unit and the outdoor compressor to transfer the heat.
In cooling mode, a heat pump absorbs heat inside your home and releases it outdoors. In heating mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the ground or outside air (even cold air) and releases it indoors.
One of the most important things to understand about heat pump operation and the process of transferring heat is that heat energy naturally wants to move to areas with lower temperatures and less pressure. Heat pumps rely on this physical property, putting heat in contact with cooler, lower pressure environments so that the heat can naturally transfer. This is how a heat pump works.
STEP 1
Liquid refrigerant is pumped through an expansion device at the indoor coil, which is functioning as the evaporator. Air from inside the house is blown across the coils, where heat energy is absorbed by the refrigerant. The resulting cool air is blown throughout the home&#;s ducts. The process of absorbing the heat energy has caused the liquid refrigerant to heat up and evaporate into gas form.
STEP 2
The gaseous refrigerant now passes through a compressor, which pressurizes the gas. The process of pressurizing the gas causes it to heat up (a physical property of compressed gases). The hot, pressurized refrigerant moves through the system to the coil in the outdoor unit.
STEP 3
A fan in the outdoor unit moves outside air across the coils, which are serving as condenser coils in cooling mode. Because the air outside the home is cooler than the hot compressed gas refrigerant in the coil, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the outside air. During this process, the refrigerant condenses back to a liquid state as it cools. The warm liquid refrigerant is pumped through the system to the expansion valve at the indoor units.
STEP 4
The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the warm liquid refrigerant, which cools it significantly. At this point, the refrigerant is in a cool, liquid state and ready to be pumped back to the evaporator coil in the indoor unit to begin the cycle again.
A Heat pump in heating mode operates just like cooling mode, except that the flow of refrigerant is reversed by the aptly named reversing valve. The flow reversal means that the heating source becomes the outside air (even when outdoor temperatures are low) and the heat energy is released inside the home. The outside coil now has the function of an evaporator, and the indoor coil now has the role of the condenser.
The physics of the process are the same. Heat energy is absorbed in the outdoor unit by cool liquid refrigerant, turning it into cold gas. Pressure is then applied to the cold gas, turning it to hot gas. The hot gas is cooled in the indoor unit by passing air, heating the air and condensing the gas to warm liquid. The warm liquid is relieved of pressure as it enters the outdoor unit, turning it to cool liquid and renewing the cycle.
Installing a heat pump can be a complex task, requiring a thorough understanding of HVAC systems and electrical connections. The intricate nature of the installation process emphasizes the importance of having an expert handle the job. Your local Carrier expert possess the knowledge, experience, and expertise necessary to ensure a seamless and efficient installation. From assessing the specific heating and cooling requirements of a space to correctly sizing and positioning the heat pump, they meticulously plan and execute the installation, considering factors such as ductwork, electrical compatibility, and optimal placement. Entrusting the installation to a Carrier expert ensures not only a properly functioning heat pump but also peace of mind, knowing that the system has been installed with precision and adherence to safety standards.
Heat pumps are versatile, efficient cooling and heating systems. Thanks to a reversing valve, a heat pump can change the flow of refrigerant and either heat or cool a home. Air is blown over an evaporator coil, transferring heat energy from the air to the refrigerant. That heat energy is circulated in the refrigerant to a condenser coil, where it is released as a fan blows air across the coil. Through this process, heat is pumped from one place to another.
Click here to learn more on ductless mini split and our ductless heat pump solutions
A local Carrier HVAC expert can help evaluate your heating and cooling requirements and recommend the proper heat pump system.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Multifunctional Heat Pump. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.