As autumn arrives, the heating season begins, and with the colder days, keeping our homes warm becomes essential. During this time, the efficiency of heating systems takes center stage, as proper maintenance and energy-efficient solutions can significantly reduce heating costs.
One practical solution is a heat pump. However, its efficiency, much like that of chillers, fluctuates throughout the day depending on external temperatures and partial loads. By using a heat accumulator, such as a Thermal Battery, we can store heat during periods of higher efficiency or when "waste heat" would otherwise be lost, and later use this stored energy when heating demand is higher but the system's efficiency is lower.
The diagram below illustrates the daily heating profile. The HeatTank is filled after the start of nighttime temperature reduction, utilizing the remaining heat in the system due to maintaining a lower internal temperature for tempering purposes. This means that a lower internal temperature is maintained (through tempering or nighttime heating reduction), and as a result, the heat pump nearly shuts down because the building does not require heating until it cools down to the lower internal temperature. During this period, the leftover warm water in the heating system can be used to charge the Thermal Battery (this warm water would lose a lot of heat if left in the pipes, but in the HeatTank, its heat content can be stored with minimal loss).
In the morning, when heating resumes, more power is needed to warm the building, and the external temperature is usually low, requiring the heat pump to operate with a higher forward water temperature. During this time, heating efficiency is not optimal, and using the HeatTank can lead to energy savings.
The heat pump’s efficiency (its COP value) is highest during the day (as higher external temperatures result in a higher COP). Additionally, the Thermal Battery helps optimize the heat pump’s usage, maximizing its efficiency during partial loads.
In the evening, when external temperatures are lower, there is a greater heating demand, but the heat pump’s efficiency is worse. Again, energy savings can be achieved by supplementing with the HeatTank during this period.
During the heating season, energy efficiency and cost reduction lie in modern technologies like the combination of a heat pump and a Thermal Battery. These innovative solutions not only contribute to environmental protection but can also result in significant long-term savings.
By optimizing your home's heating system in advance, you can ensure a more comfortable, sustainable, and economical heating experience during the colder months.
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