Function of a heat pump
Even though there are different types of heat pumps, they all work according to the same actually quite simple principle. The heat pump extracts heat from its environment and conducts it to where it is needed: Into your living space.
The most important facts about the function of a heat pump
Works like an inverted refrigerator
Draws energy from water, air or earth
Heats in winter and cools in summer
Like an inverted refrigerator
In principle, a heat pump works like a refrigerator. However, while the refrigerator extracts heat from its interior and releases it outside, the heat pump extracts heat from its environment and releases it into the living space. The refrigerant plays an important role in the functioning of the heat pump. In the refrigeration circuit – the heart of the heat pump - this refrigerant circulates, which is liquid or gaseous depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. This refrigerant absorbs the supplied energy from the earth, water or air. In the refrigeration circuit, this temperature is further increased by pressure and finally delivered to the heating system.Explained simply in 4 steps
1. The environmental heat is transferred to the refrigerant. This heating causes the refrigerant to evaporate.
2. The refrigerant is compressed and heated even more.
3. The heat is extracted from the warm gas and transferred to the heating system. During this cooling process, the refrigerant liquefies again.
4. The pressure of the liquefied refrigerant is reduced, causing the refrigerant to cool down and the cycle starts again (1.).
