What is an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps can absorb heat energy from outside and generate more energy for indoor cooling or heating with just a small amount of electricity. It can also provide domestic hot water when paired with a hot water tank. Air source heat pump efficiency can be presented by the coefficient of performance(COP). A higher air source heat pump COP equates to higher efficiency, lower energy consumption and lower operating costs. Depending on the medium of heat exchange, air source heat pump can be divided into air to air heat pump and air to water heat pump.

 
What are the components of an air source heat pump?

The air source heat pump consists of four main components, namely the compressor, condenser, evaporator and expansion valve.

How does an air source heat pump work?

For the purpose of indoor cooling, the air source heat pump absorbs external heat energy and uses a small amount of electrical energy to drive the compressor inside the heat pump. The Freon gas, as the refrigerant, is compressed and it results in having a greater pressure and higher temperature. It is then sent to the condenser where condensation takes place, the Freon gas is converted into liquid. The heat emitted during the condensation process can be collected for heating up the domestic hot water tank. The high pressure liquid refrigerant is depressurized and cooled down through the expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant evaporates back to the gaseous state when it passes through the evaporator, and it takes away the heat from surrounding air. The gaseous refrigerant returns to outdoor unit and starts the next refrigerating cycle.

When it comes to indoor heating, a four-way valve changes the direction of refrigerant flow; the compressed refrigerant gas flows to indoor unit first. The heat exchanger used as an evaporator now works as a condenser. The heat emitted during the condensation is used to heat up indoor air. Under heating cycles, the refrigerant passes through the compressor, the evaporator, the expansion valve and the condenser in order.

Advantages of air source heat pump

1. Easy installation. Compared to ground source heat pump, air source heat pump does not require any land to be dug up. It looks like air conditioning units and are mounted next to an external wall.

2. Year-round use. Air source heat pump can achieve both heating and cooling, covering year-round use,.

3. Eco-friendly and low-carbon. Air source heat pump works without any fuel.

4. High efficiency. The main energy source of the air source heat pump comes from the heat energy in the air, and a small amount of electricity is only used to drive the compressor.

5. Long lifespan. A properly maintained air source heat pump can work for 15-20 years.