20
optimise energy savings
8
In this section the basic functioning of a heat pump is explained to enable the user to
optimise the energy savings of the heat pump.
The Enerflow heat pump uses an air-source-vapour-compression-cycle to transfer
heat from ambient temperatures in the atmosphere to the water in a geyser. A
refrigeration/gas cycle is normally made up of four components (Evaporator,
Compressor, Condenser, and Expansion Valve) each with a very specific function.
Below is a depiction of such a gas
cycle that interacts with a water
circulation cycle similar to what
can be found in the Enerflow heat
pumps. The picture below (for
illustration purposes only) shows
the major components and is used
to briefly explain how they interact
to deliver energy efficient hot
water. The evaporator is used as
a heat exchanger that enables heat
transfer from the warmer ambient
air to the colder gas inside the
evaporator tubes. An electric fan is
used to ensure the air is drawn over
the evaporator fins and enhance
heat transfer. This absorbed heat/
energy is then further intensified
(i.e. more energy added) by passing
the gas through the compressor which increases the pressure and temperature of the
gas cycle. This high-pressure-high-temperature gas is then able to transfer the energy
to the water through a second heat exchanger, the condenser. The water from the
geyser is pumped through the condenser where it collects the energy in the condenser
tube, transfers it to the water and thereby heating it. Finally the cooler-high-pressure
gas is passed through an intelligently controlled expansion valve that rapidly lowers
the gas pressure and temperature. This low-pressure-low-temperature gas is then
passed to the evaporator where energy can once again be harvested from the warmer
atmospheric air. This closed loop cycle operation will continue until the water in the
geyser is at the heat pump set temperature. At this stage the intelligent controller
will turn off the components in a specific protective sequence and put the heat pump
in standby.
(Picture reference http://aboutyourrefrigeration.blogspot.com)
How it works
8.1
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