How do heat pumps work?

450 % Effectiveness

Air-to-water heat pumps are a fascinating example of modern technology, especially when you consider their impressive efficiency. These systems can achieve an efficiency of up to 450 %. At first glance, this may seem at odds with the laws of thermodynamics, as an efficiency of over 100 % appears to generate more energy than is consumed. However, this is a misunderstanding. In reality, the energy is not newly generated, but efficiently converted and transferred.

The outdoor unit

The first step in the working process of an air-to-water heat pump begins with the outdoor unit, which is located outside the building. Its main function is to extract heat energy from the outside air, even when temperatures drop below freezing. The outdoor unit contains a refrigerant that remains liquid at low temperatures, but has the unique property of vaporising at these low temperatures as soon as it absorbs heat from the ambient air. This vaporisation process is crucial as it removes heat from the outside air. Once the refrigerant has absorbed and vaporised the heat, it is transferred to the compressor.

The compressor

The compressor plays a central role in the operation of the heat pump. It increases the pressure of the coolant, which causes the temperature of the coolant to rise. This process of increasing pressure and temperature is crucial, as the coolant must now be hot enough to transfer the heat to the water system in the building. The compressor is therefore the centrepiece of the heat pump, which uses compression to convert low-grade heat into high-grade heat, which can then be used for heating and hot water production.

Thanks to this efficient technology, air-to-water heat pumps offer an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems by maximising the available energy in the outside air and converting it into usable heat for buildings.