Barry Fentem, Specification Divisional Manager at Altecnic, explores which two components can be installed to optimise and protect heat pumps.
The government has set out its ambition to support the growth of the heat pump market to around 600,000 installations per year by 2028. With number of heat pump installations therefore increasing, it is important to consider the ways in which they can be protected and optimised to increase their lifespan.
Anti-freeze valves
Anti-freeze valves are a cost-effective solution to protect heat pump installations from freezing, which is a common problem during the winter.
How an anti-freeze valve works
An anti-freeze valve is designed to be installed in the flow and return pipe work from the heat pump and installed on the external pipework. By opening at temperatures below 3C, an anti-freeze valve allows system content to be dripped and discharged safely, preventing the system from freezing and protecting the installation.
At temperatures above 4C, the valve then shuts again to stop unnecessary draining. Overall, it does exactly as it implies, it prevents the freezing of heat pumps and pipework.
Protection for exposed installations
Even for installations in areas that are especially exposed – those that are usually hit hardest by freezing – an anti-freeze valve can continue to function efficiently. In the coldest months anti-freeze valves become most useful as they help to save thousands of pounds in having to replace frozen installations by maintaining the heat pump and pipework.
Protection and optimisation
When the heat pump installation is protected, it can then be optimised to work as efficiently as possible. The efficiency within the system relies on the ‘start-up’ period of the heating cycle being correctly balanced thus preventing it pulling an excessive amount of energy. If a heat pump installation were to draw a large amount of energy, then the homeowner should expect there to be a negative impact on the operation of the entire system.
Independently managing flow rates
Any system that has a heat pump as its energy source would benefit from installing an automatic dynamic balancing valve. By accurately managing the flow rates throughout the heating circuit using a flow settable, pressure independent, thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), each part of the system can receive the correct amount of energy independently thus increasing the working life of the compressor within the heat pump.
In addition, any hydronic circuit serving a secondary system must be balanced, meaning that they must be constructed in such a way as to guarantee the design flow rates of the thermal medium. Due to this, specific balancing devices are required depending on the varying system types and appliances used.
Automatic dynamic balancing
Automatic dynamic balancing and pressure-independent adjustment of the heating system is vital for optimisation of a heat pump installation. A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) with this ability, in conjunction with a thermostatic, electronic, or thermoelectric control, combines different functions in a single component.
An automatic dynamic balancing TRV can balance the heating system automatically, ensuring each terminal receives the set flow rate. Even in the case of partial circuit closure, by means of the regulating valves, the flow rates in the open circuits remain constant at the set value- a vital feature when being installed on systems powered by heat pumps.
By using this type of TRV, in combination with thermostatic control heads, the surrounding temperature can remain automatically constant, thus guaranteeing effective energy saving for the homeowner.
Getting the most out of your heat pump installation
With no room for damages, both the installation of an anti-freeze valve and the installation of an automatic balancing TRV protects the investment of installing the heat pump and keep homeowners happy. Given the installation costs of renewable technologies compared to standard gas or oil installations, the benefits of a relatively small outlay to protect this investment are clear.