The Anti-Refrigerator: How Does a Heat Pump Work? - Summary
Heat pumps and refrigerators are actually close relatives. Both devices appear to perform opposite tasks – but a look under the hood reveals amazing similarities.
Heat Pump and Refrigerator: Close Relatives
| Device | Takes heat from | Releases heat to |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Interior | Environment (back) |
| Heat Pump | Environment | Interior (heating) |
The operating principle is identical – only the goal is reversed!
The Four-Phase Cycle
- Evaporation (Heat Absorption): The refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment and evaporates
- Compression (Temperature Increase): The compressor compresses the gas, increasing pressure and temperature
- Condensation (Heat Release): Heat is transferred to the heating water, refrigerant condenses
- Expansion (Pressure Reduction): The expansion valve releases pressure, refrigerant returns to starting state
The Trick: No Violation of Physics!
The heat pump appears to move heat from cold to warm. The solution: Energy (electricity for the compressor) is used to reverse the natural heat flow. The overall system follows the laws of nature!