Heat Pumps: The Anti-Refrigerator
Heat pumps use environmental heat for heating and are one of the most efficient technologies for building heating. Combined with photovoltaics, they form the dream team for climate-friendly heating.
Note: The articles are currently only available in German.
Basics
The anti-refrigerator: Operating principle step by step – from evaporator to condenser.
Read: The Anti-Refrigerator: How Does a Heat Pump Work? →
Heat exchanger, compressor and expansion valve – the most important components in detail.
Read: Heat Pump Components: Heat Exchanger, Compressor, and Expansion Valve →Key Figures & Dimensioning
COP, SPF, bivalence point – the most important key figures for planning and evaluation.
Read: Heat Pump Key Figures and Sizing →Operating Modes
A heat pump can work alone or with other heat generators – an overview of the operating modes.
Read: Operating Modes: Monovalent, Bivalent, and Hybrid →Types & Solar Integration
Air-water, brine-water, water-water – and their optimal combination with photovoltaics.
Read: Heat Pump Types and the Dream Team with Solar →Heat Pump Types at a Glance
| Type | Heat Source | COP | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-Water | Outdoor air | 3–4 | Affordable, easy installation |
| Brine-Water | Ground | 4–5 | Consistently high efficiency |
| Water-Water | Groundwater | 5–6 | Highest efficiency |