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N°2 – The different types of heat pump training (VTC level)

We can identify numerous types of Heat Pump (HP) depending on the medium in which they absorb (source) and release heat.
We will speak especially of:

Note that the 1st medium indicated is always that of the source of recovered heat and the 2nd indicates the destination which will be heated.

 
 
The principle models of heat pump for the heating of buildings are:
 

  • Air-source heat pumps on outside air.

Source Ciat

 
They absorb the heat that is naturally present in the outside air (even in extreme cold…).
We speak of:
– Air (ext.) / Air (int.) HP
– Air (ext.) / Water (heating) HP
 
 

  • Geothermal heat pumps on the water table.

Source Ciat

 They absorb the calories contained in underground water. After draw-off, the water is either re-injected into the water table or evacuated by the drains.
We speak of:
– Water (géothermal) / Air (int.) HP
– Water (géothermal) / Water (heating) HP
 
 

  • Geothermal heat pumps on horizontal collectors.

Source Ciat

The horizontal collector is installed at least one metre deep (3.3 feet). It absorbs the calories of the ground provided by sunshine & rainfall.
It is made up of a network of tubing in which refrigerant liquid flows (or ecologically better) a liquid coolant (glycolated water).
This system is recommended for houses having a large amount of land. Well done, it causes no problems for lawns or ground covering plants.
 
 

  • Geothermal heat pumps on vertical collectors.

Source Ciat

 
Of a depth of 50 to 100 [m] (164 to 328 feet), vertical collectors absorb calories of the ground provided by the earth’s heat.
Vertical collectors offer great performance because from a depth of 15 [m] (49 ft) there is a constant temperature of approx 10 [°C] (50 °F), whatever the season.

This system is recommended for small plots of land.