Heat pumps
The best practice of heat pump installation
Graham Evans offers installers a reminder of what to look out for when it comes to heat pump installation
for renew- able technologies on the rise, it is crucial that installers, at all levels of experience, understand new technologies so that they can install and service the systems correctly to maximise their own business potential. Fortunately, we are seeing an increase in manufac- turers, distributors and installers who recognise the importance of installer proficiency and are responding to the demand for expert training. However, training based prima- rily within the classroom can run the risk of neglecting the real- world skills required to deliver a successful installation as well as demonstrating the benefits an end user client will receive. Here’s a short reminder about the princi- ples of heat pump installation that are sometimes forgotten when it gets busy at work.
Know your heat pump Firstly, don’t forget that all heat pumps are not the same. It is important for the specifiers, con- tractors and end users to choose the correct air-to-water heat pump for the job. Selecting a heat pump that is cost effective is important. It must also be easy to install, main- tain and use – and non-disruptive to the layout of the building. This is easily achievable.
Size it properly
When sized and installed correct- ly, air source heat pumps are a fantastic solution for business owners looking to reduce the energy consumption of their busi- ness. As heat pump technology is scalable, there are a variety of large and small-scale heating solu- tions available.
Recently improvements to air source heat pump technology, including compact single unit systems can provide an ideal com- mercial solution. For businesses that produce excess heat, such as restaurants, installing a heat pump means they can also make use of any wasted heat to improve the
32 | October 2014 | HVR
It is essential that those operating the heat pump system are instruction on the correct use of the technology
energy efficiency further. For instance, the Panasonic 5kW sys- tem has a COP of 5.08, this is 4.08 times more than a conventional electrical heating system which has a maximum COP of just 1. Some manufacturers offer a design tool app that can be down- loaded on to lap-tops, iPads and smart phones. You can enter the basic details of the premises – the square metres of what you want to heat – into the calculator. This will give you the recommended units to use and show you the efficien- cies needed for that business over the year, together with basic service installation and what’s needed installation wise.
Going with the flow
The third is flow. Understanding the water flow around the system, whether for underfloor heating, radiators or hot water – is impera- tive. MCS accredited installers and those who have attended manu- facturer approved training courses will have been shown how to cal- culate flow correctly. It’s not tricky; it is just about knowing the basics and getting them right. Otherwise the system is not going to be as efficient. Don’t forget flow and sizing is also determined by insulation. You must get the insu- lation right first. If the building is properly insulated you may be able to drop down a heat pump size. Do it the other way around and the system is never going to work efficiently.
Commission competently Getting commissioning right is key. It goes without saying that the system should be up and running efficiently at the end of the installation.
I am sure all installers look at this as a matter of course but it’s worth double-checking that all the pipework is correct, there are no leaks, the unit is coming up to temperature efficiently and you are achieving the temperatures you require. It may seem very basic but sometimes it can be overlooked.
The handover
Don’t leave this to chance. Don’t forget that on heat pumps all manufacturers use a control system different to the one you would find on a traditional heating system. So, it’s imperative that the handover of the heat pump system is completed properly and the business fully understands how the system works – and knows how they can change the settings when they want to.
Five points for client handovers • Talk to the customer about their required operational schedule. • What times will the building be operational?
• Is the system to be integrated into a BMS?
• Show them how to change the settings if required.
• Get a clear understanding of what the business requires. You can set these systems up for every season of the year if you want to and the facilities manager does not have to go near the controls. If they do want to change it, show them how easy it is to do so. There is no point in the installer setting up a heat pump system for themselves. So, it’s best to set up the control system with the build- ing or facilities manager. It is essential that those operating the heat pump system are instructed on the correct use of the technol- ogy, and understand how it can deliver real cost savings. // The author is Panasonic’s air to water business developer for heating and cooling systems //
Daily news update at
www.heatingandventilating.net
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44