22
Feature
Image by Freepik
DANFOSS CLIMATE SOLUTIONS PANEL DISCUSSION The following Danfoss Climate Solutions ( DCS ) panel discussion involves :
• Morten Skovrup , global application manager from Germany
• Jamie Kitchen , sales account manager for North America
• Morten Skovrupthe of DCS
• Jörg Saar of DCS
The discussion covers the definition of a ’ heat pump ’ as well as the many different types and sizes , from small spilled systems up to industrial-sized heat pumps for district heating . Focus is on the heat pump itself , how it works , the efficiency , and what to be aware of when selecting and installing a heat pump in different regions , climate zones and countries .
A heat pump is a versatile heating and cooling system that operates by transferring heat from one location to another . Unlike traditional heating methods that generate heat through combustion , heat pumps harness the ambient heat from the environment , making them an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution .
From the European perspective , Morten points to the importance of district heating and individual heat pumps as viable alternatives to fossil fuel-based heating systems . Kitchen suggests that in North America heat pumps play a crucial role in regions lacking natural gas infrastructure , leveraging abundant electricity sources for efficient heating solutions .
Kitchen notes that heat pumps offer a more efficient alternative to traditional heating methods , delivering more heat output than the electricity input . Skovrup agrees , noting that coefficient of performance ( COP ) quantifies this efficiency , with higher COP values indicating greater energy savings .
To an audience question CO 2 heat pumps ’ energy consumption , Skovrup clarified that CO 2 serves as an efficient carrier of heat , allowing for better efficiencies compared to standard refrigerants . COP is a key metric for assessing efficiency , with higher COP values indicating greater energy savings . CO 2
A heat pump in a residential environment . heat pumps reduce carbon footprint as a more sustainable alternative to direct electric heating systems , reducing it by a factor of three or more . This required consideration of factors such as heat source temperature and refrigerant selection when evaluating CO 2 heat pump performance .
There are regional differences in heating requirements which impact on heat pump performance . In temperate climates , where winters are mild , heat pumps can efficiently provide both heating and cooling using a simple reversing refrigerant cycle . However , in colder regions where temperatures plummet below freezing , supplemental heating may be necessary to meet heating demands effectively . Responding to queries about the cost efficiency of
CO 2 heat pumps compared to electric heaters , Skovrup emphasises the significant energy savings achieved with heat pump installations . By reducing electricity consumption and leveraging renewable heat sources , CO 2 heat pumps offer a compelling long-term investment . The payback period depends on factors such as upfront installation costs , system efficiency and regional utility rates .
Proper installation and maintenance is key for maximising the efficiency and lifespan of CO 2 heat pump systems . Poorly installed units or inadequate airflow can undermine energy efficiency and lead to early system failure . Regular maintenance checks ensure optimal performance and minimise the risk of costly repairs down the line .
Addressing concerns about intermittent power supply , panellists highlighted the importance of electrical stability for CO 2 heat pump operation . Voltage fluctuations and grid instability can affect compressor performance and system reliability . However , the thermal inertia of water-based heating systems can provide some buffering against intermittent power disruptions , offering a potential advantage in managing peak electricity demand .
The panellists unanimously agree that natural refrigerants will dominate the market for heat pumps in the foreseeable future . With an emphasis on efficiency , availability and environmental sustainability , natural refrigerants such as propane , ammonia and CO 2 offer significant advantages over synthetic alternatives . Though propane is prevalent in household heat pump applications , industrial heat pumps often utilise a combination of ammonia and CO 2 for optimal performance .
The superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness of natural refrigerants make them the preferred choice for most installations , offering the best balance of performance , affordability and environmental impact .
Responding to inquiries about the influence of electricity prices on heat pump investment , Kitchen emphasises the importance of cost comparisons with alternative heating methods . While heat pumps offer significant energy savings compared to electric resistance heating , the payback period may
22
RACA Journal I April 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za