Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are apparatus that supplies heat energy from a particular source to another through a heat exchanger. The electricity supplying heat does not generate heat, but is only utilize to move the heat around. Over the years, heat pumps have become increasingly popular all over the globe due to their high efficiency, as well as use of ‘clean’ energy. Heat pumps can assist in saving energy as long as they are installed and utilized effectively. All heat pumps work the same way and they function just like refrigerators, only that their roles are reversed. The heating system in heat pumps incorporates the heat source system, heat pump, heat distribution, and the storage system. The most widely used heat pumps are the mechanical heat pumps and their operating principle works through compressing and expanding the working fluid (or the ‘refrigerant’).
The air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air. The corresponding amount of air passes into the evaporator through the fan that cools the system. Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the underground. The ground is capable of storing heat at a constant temperature throughout the year. Both ground and air energy are renewable and less costly. A heat pump dryer is also cost-effective due to energy-saving characteristics. Heat pumps are preferred for refrigeration due to their capacity to create a vapor-compression cycle that involves condensation and evaporation. HVAC system is a structure that heats, ventilates, as well as offering air conditioning through vapor-compression refrigeration. Although heat pumps make individuals independent, they affect the environment through refrigerant leakage that occurs during the demolition of the appliance. The most common form of refrigerant is the hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), which contribute to global warming. Thus, the most common environmental benefit that heat pump can offer to the end users is to cut completely the emissions from combustion. Heat pump technology has contributed in the reduction of fossil fuels burning, hence, minimizing emissions of carbon gases.