Heat Pump Components: Heat Exchanger, Compressor, and Expansion Valve - Summary

A heat pump consists of four main components that work together in a closed refrigerant circuit.

The Four Main Components

Component	Function	Physical Process
Evaporator	Heat absorption from environment	Liquid → Gas
Compressor	Pressure and temperature increase	Compression
Condenser	Heat release to heating system	Gas → Liquid
Expansion Valve	Pressure reduction	Expansion

The Compressor – Heart of the Heat Pump

The compressor is the only component that requires external energy (electricity). It compresses the refrigerant, thereby increasing temperature and pressure.

Types:

• Scroll compressors: Quiet, efficient, standard for residential
• Rotary compressors: Compact, for smaller systems
• Inverter-controlled: Variable speed for optimal efficiency

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