FEATURE 29
The general components of a heat pump are :
• Tank which is larger than a standard tank .
• Compressor which pressurises the refrigerant inside the evaporator and condenser coils causing it to expand and heat up . It also helps move through the system .
• Evaporator which collects warm air pulled in via the fan . The refrigerant , which runs inside , warms up , is compressed , and evaporates creating high pressure and high heat .
• Condenser is located outside or in the tank and the coils are where the refrigerant loses pressure , cools , and condenses back to liquid thus releasing the hot temperature to the water inside the tank .
• Fan is located at the top or side and is responsible for pulling in the ambient warm air from the point it is positioned .
• Thermostats consist of two – one to measure the water temperature at the bottom of the tank and another to measure temperature at the top . The thermostats control the system to either heat or cool the water depending on the requirement and settings .
• Cold water inlet drawing cold water from the main line .
• Hot water outlet where the now heated water leaves the water heater to go to the outlet i . e ., tap , shower , basin , sink , etc .
• Drain which is there should one ever have to release water from the tank .
Supplied
How the heat pump works .
Energy A much-used word these days for very good reason . The causes of an energy crisis are :
• An increasing population .
• Excessive use of non-renewable sources of energy .
• Use of less fuel-efficient machines .
• The affluent lifestyle of people .
Whichever one chooses to accept or ignore , they all play a part in the guidance professionals and contractors give customers . These are facts that cause an energy crisis , excluding the political aspect . PA
June 2023 Volume 29 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za