Different Types of Air Source Heat Pumps

There are many kinds of air source heat pump. According to different classification standards, there will be different categories. Generally, we have the following classification methods:

1. According to the function of heat pump: single heating air source heat pump, single cooling air source heat pump, heating and cooling air source heat pump and air source heat pump with three functions (hot water, heating and cooling).

2. According to whether or not to use circulating water to send energy to the room: air to water heat pump, air to air heat pump, water-free floor heating pump. At present, most air source heat pumps in the market refer to air to water heat pumps.

3. According to the outlet water temperature of heat pump: high temperature air source heat pump (outlet water temperature 80℃), ordinary air source heat pump (outlet water temperature 60℃).

4. According to the working environment temperature of heat pump: low temperature air source heat pump and ordinary air source heat pump.

5. According to whether there is the inverter function: inverter heat pump and on/off non-inverter heat pump.

6. According to the integration level, air source heat pumps can be divided into monoblock type and split type. Monoblock heat pumps contain all the essential parts in one machine, including condenser, compressor, evaporator, expansion valve, and so on. The split heat pump is divided into an outdoor unit and in indoor unit.

Types of Air Source Heat Pump Heating Systems

There are four types of air source heat pump heating systems:

(1) Air source heat pump + radiator; outlet water temperature is generally around 55℃.

(2) Air source heat pump + fan coil; outlet water temperature is generally about 45℃.

(3) Air source heat pump + radiant floor heating; water temperature is generally about 35℃.

(4) Air source heat pump direct condensation heating (including air to air, water-free floor heating, etc.); at present, this type of application is relatively rare.

What are the characteristics of each type of air source heat pump heating combinations?

Air Source Heat Pump + Radiator

Advantages: the replacement is simple. This application can directly replace the original boiler heat source; compared with the direct electric heating mode, the energy-saving effect of this type is remarkable; compared with the electric boiler heating mode, more electricity cost can be saved.

Disadvantages: high temperature heating, slow indoor heating, poor thermal comfort, occupying a certain space.

Air Source Heat Pump + Fan Coil

Advantages: the temperature of room heating is fast; the fan coil fan in each room is controlled independently, which is conducive to energy conservation; the outlet water  temperature is lower than the radiator. The energy efficiency ratio of air source heat pump is high, and the operation cost is relatively low; the system is simple, flexible and convenient to install. It can be used for heating in winter and cooling in summer, and the comprehensive initial investment cost is lower for users who have cooling demand in summer.

Disadvantages: slightly poor comfort. There will be some noise. Additional electric power might be consumed.

Air Source Heat Pump + Radiant Floor Heating

Advantages: energy saving, low operating cost, high comfort; the system has a certain heat storage function with good thermal stability, which can effectively offset the heating power fluctuation of air source heat pump in extreme weather, making the system more stable and reliable.

Disadvantages: the reconstruction of existing buildings will affect the original ground; for buildings, the height of rooms will be reduced; in case of construction quality problems, maintenance is difficult.

Air Source Heat Pump Direct Condensation Heating

Advantages: simple system, convenient installation and maintenance, low failure rate, high energy saving.

Disadvantages: poor comfort; slight noise.

Is the operation cost related to terminal combination?

For the same heat pump equipment, the cost of radiator is the highest, the fan coil unit is the second, and the floor radiant heating cost is the lowest.

How to Choose the Right Type of Air Source Heat Pump Heating System?

For new buildings, radiant floor heating is preferred; for existing buildings, radiator or fan coil can be selected; if the radiator is old or the number of new radiators is large, it is recommended to choose low-temperature fan coil.

Fan coil heating system can provide hot water as well as house heating in winter while supply cold air in summer. The fan coil heating terminal can be set at the upper part (top hanging type) or lower part (floor type). It is recommended to set the lower part (floor type).

Matters needing attention when choosing floor type: select floor type fan coil unit with lower air inlet and upper outlet; special fan coil unit with lower air inlet and side outlet.