24
Feature
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HEAT PUMPS ? The following is a transcript of a webinar hosted by Matteo Valerin , national sales manager of CAREL Nordic on 30 January 2024 .
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in the HVAC industry due to their efficiency and versatility . In this webinar two experts discussed the intricacies of heat pumps , shedding light on key trends and regulations shaping the market :
• Miriam Solana Ciprés from CAREL ' s Knowledge Centre , responsible for following regulations and trends in HVAC
• Matteo Galenda , application specialist HVAC Residential
The session discussed CAREL ' s latest white paper on heat pumps . With the imperative to combat climate change and meet the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement , heat pumps emerge as a key solution to reduce CO 2 emissions . Ciprés noted how heat pumps offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel boilers , potentially slashing global CO 2 emissions by a significant margin .
Despite their potential , heat pumps currently constitute only a fraction of the global HVAC market ( albeit growing ). Valerin shared insights from the International Energy Agency , indicating that merely 10 % of buildings worldwide are equipped with heat pumps . To achieve broader adoption and reach the ambitious target of 20 % penetration by 2030 , concerted efforts are required , including substantial investments and overcoming various challenges .
Regarding the classification of heat pumps based on their external exchanges , there are three primary types : air source , water source and ground source . Each type harnesses renewable energy , contributing to decarbonisation efforts . While air source heat pumps offer simplicity and lower installation costs , their performance is subject to fluctuations based on outside temperatures . Conversely , water source heat pumps provide consistent performance but require careful consideration of water flow and characteristics . Ground source heat pumps offer stability throughout the year but entail higher installation costs and complexities .
Each heat pump type has advantages and disadvantages . Air source heat pumps offer ease of installation but are susceptible to performance fluctuations and ice formation . Water source heat pumps deliver consistent performance but demand meticulous planning and may incur higher installation costs . Ground source heat pumps provide year-round stability but come with significant upfront investment and implementation challenges .
NAVIGATING SAFETY STANDARDS AND CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES IN HEAT PUMPS Ciprés noted the growing importance of adhering to safety standards , particularly in light of the phase-down of fluorinated refrigerants mandated by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal
Protocol . This phase-down necessitates the use of low Global Warming Potential ( GWP ) refrigerants , many of which are flammable , emphasising the significance of compliance with safety standards such as ISO 60335-2-40 .
Attendees learned about the evolution of safety standards , with ISO 60335-2-40:2022 continually updated to accommodate advancements in technology and address safety concerns associated with flammable refrigerants . Notably , the standard was revised in 2018 to include enhanced safety measures for systems utilising hydrocarbon refrigerants . In 2022 , further updates were made at an international level , allowing for increased refrigerant quantities under specific safety protocols , including mechanical ventilation and other methods .
A critical aspect of safety standards involves understanding refrigerant charge limits , particularly concerning flammable refrigerants like propane . The maximum refrigerant charge for propane systems employing mechanical ventilation , emphasised Galenda , is capped at 5kg to mitigate potential hazards .
Regarding internal distribution systems within heat pumps , including air-to-air and water-to-water configurations , the typical temperature profiles for various distribution systems with air distribution systems deliver temperatures ranging from 35 – 40 ° C in heating mode and water distribution systems . These exhibit varying temperature ranges depending on the type of radiator or fan coil employed .
The two speakers addressed environmental concerns related to chemical substances used in heat pumps , particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ). Ciprés noted that the potential environmental and health risks associated with PFAS had prompted regulatory action in the European Union and other jurisdictions to restrict their use .
EXPLORING MARKET TRENDS AND REFRIGERATION COMPONENTS Air-to-air heat pumps dominate the global market , constituting approximately 80 % of installed units worldwide . However , there has been a notable shift in recent years , with air-to-water heat pumps emerging as the predominant choice in certain regions , particularly in Europe . Insights from the European Heat Pump Association highlighted this evolving trend , underscoring the importance of monitoring market dynamics to anticipate future developments .
Galenda provided a detailed overview of key refrigeration components , essential for the functionality of heat pump systems : condensers , expansion valves , compressors and four-way valves , essential in facilitating heat transfer and refrigerant circulation . Electronic controllers are vital in regulating system operations , alongside advancements such as DC compressors with permanent magnets for enhanced efficiency . This was followed by a Q & A .
24
RACA Journal I April 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za