The basics of a heat pump

In der Luft, in der Erde und im Wasser werden gewaltige Energiemengen gespeichert, die durch Sonneneinstrahlung und Niederschläge ständig erneuert werden. Mit der Wärmepumpen-Heizung ist es möglich, diese kostenlose Energie zu nutzen.

The heat pump converts lower temperature ambient heat into higher temperature heating. This conversion takes place in the compressor of the heat pump, which requires small amounts electrical energy to operate. The efficiency of a heat pump is reflected in its performance figure. The performance figures of heat pumps have continuously improved in recent years. They are calculated as the coefficient of the heating power in kW and the electrical drive power in kW. This value is more favorable, the lower the temperature difference between the heat supplied and the room heating. This simply means that the cooler it is in the air outside, the more energy it takes to heat the house.

The Components

The environmental heat from the air, ground or water is fed to an evaporator and transferred to the heat pump. Thanks to a low boiling point of the refrigerant, a vaporous state is quickly reached. In the compressor, the steam is compressed and thereby heated. In the condenser, the hot steam finally transfers its heat to the water circuit of the heating system. The pressure is then released at the expansion valve and the whole cycle starts all over again.

Die im Erdreich gespeicherte natürliche Energie lässt sich auf einfache Art nutzen: mit vertikalen Erdwärmesonden, die bis 300 Meter tief in den Untergrund verteuft werden. Im Untergrund wird kein Material ausgetauscht sondern nur Wärme. Im Rohrsystem im Untergrund zirkuliert vorwiegend eine Sole, welche aus Wasser und Frostschutzmittel besteht. Die Wärmepumpe wird deshalb als eine Sole/Wasser-Wärmpumpe bezeichnet. As with air/water der Wärmequelle Erdreich kann nicht nur geheizt, sondern auch gekühl.

Grundwasser weist das ganze Jahr hindurch eine nahezu konstante Temperatur auf und ist deshalb als Wärmequelle für eine Wärmepumpen-Heizung optimal. Aber auch Oberflächenwasser aus Seen, Flüssen und Bächen können als Wärmequelle eingesetzt werden. Der Betrieb einer solchen Wasser/Wasser-Wärmepumpe ist immer bewilligungs- und konzessionspflichtig (Kantone, Gemeinden). Although this type of heat pump exists in Swizerland, it is less common than the air/water and geothermal versions.

How heat moves from the outside to the inside

Here you see a schema of the principle explained above. A indicates the house that the heat pump is heating and B is the main source of outside heat that is transferred via the heat pump into the house.

Number 1 shows the compressor in the system, number 2 is the condenser, number 3 points to the evaporator, and finally, number 4 shows the expansion valve.

When a heat pump is used for cooling the flow is reversed and the valves prevents the coolant to flow the other way.

Different types of heat pumps

photo d'un pompe à chaleur à l'extérieur d'une nouvelle maison moderne

As the name indicates, an air/water heat pump gets uses the energy in the air to heat up water for your home. Umgebungsluft ist überall und in beliebigen Mengen vorhanden und kann deshalb problemlos und auf einfache Art und Weise als Wärmequelle genutzt werden. Luft/Wasser-Wärmepumpen geben die gewonnene Wärme an ein herkömmliches Heizungssystem (Bodenheizung, Radiatoren) oder an eine Wasserer-wärmungsanlage ab.

The natural energy stored in the ground can be used in a simple way: with vertical geothermal probes that are buried up to 300 meters deep underground. These systems have in common that they all consist of closed cycles on the source side. No material is exchanged in the subsurface, only heat. In the underground pipe system, mainly a brine, which consists of water and antifreeze, circulates. The heat pump is therefore referred to as a brine / water heat pump. The ground heat source can not only be used for heating, but also for cooling.

Groundwater has an almost constant temperature all year round and is therefore ideal as a heat source for heat pump heating. But surface water from lakes, rivers and streams can also be used as a heat source. The operation of such a water / water heat pump always requires a permit and a license (cantons, municipalities). The aquifer is accessed via a well bore. The cooled water is usually returned to the original system via a pipe. So it is not a closed, but an open system. The heat source water can not only be used for heating, but also for cooling.

Heat pumps and water storage

Whether it is for heating, for showering and drinking, or for both, all houses need hot water. Generally speaking there are three options for warm water storage. One is a water tank where the drinking/shower water and the heating water is separated inside one single tank. Another is to have separate tanks for the usage water and heating water. The third option is to have a combination tank, as in alternative one, and an additional storage tank for heating water.

None of these options is inherently better than the other. They all depend on your needs and the type of heat pump you have. By evaluating all essential factors, I.ON's heating experts will help you find the perfect fit for your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Heat Pumps

Here you will find some of the most commonly asked questions about our integrated solar systems. If you have more questions the button below will take you to our extended sections of questions and answers.

NOT YET DONE - @ JP please add questions if you want

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates, subsidies and feed in tariffs in your area, but also on if you can combine your solar system with other appliances such as a heat pump [LINK TO SECTION ON HEAT PUMP PAGE TALKING ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THIS]

How come I.ON blew the competition away in just one week?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to off grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage. Read more about your options here [LINK TO STORAGE AND BACKUP]

Why does you logo look like HOVAL's?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill or even cut the amount you owe to 0 CHF, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

Some stupid question about integrated systems

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, you are protected by I.ON's installation warranty for the first X years. After that you can purchase an additional care package for full service. [LINK]

Do solar panels work in a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery. [LINK]

How a Heat Pump Works

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