High temperature heat pumps hold key to non-disruptive commercial retrofits
UK – Rinnai’s Head of Technical, Pete Seddon, discusses how high temperature heat pumps can be considered a vital innovation in relation to the reduction of on-site disruption to a UK customer. Heat pumps have been identified as a tool of decarbonisation and installations are becoming more common in domestic and commercial applications. Find out how investing in a high temperature heat pump can minimise on-site disruption during installation.
Heat pumps are a key element in the aim of national decarbonisation but can be problematic when installing. If a low temperature heat pump is installed into commercial premises a noticeable amount of disruption will occur.
Many changes to the heating system may have to be made, including the radiators, pipework and electrical upgrades. The radiators may have to be replaced as heat pumps operate at a lower flow temperature (between 35°C-55°C) than a traditional gas boiler that usually operate in between 60°C-75°C. To provide enough heat for the property, new radiators may potentially have to be installed.
Pipework may experience some changes also – low temperature heat pumps require a higher level of water flow rate than boilers to operate efficiently that smaller pipes do not encourage. Larger pipes transfer heat effectively and efficiently at lower temperatures.
Electrical upgrades will also be required if a normal temperature heat pump is installed. As the main source of power is transitioned from fossil fuels to electricity, a service panel that is only designed to operate at 100-amps will not be sufficient. Heat pumps require high voltage circuits when activated in cold weather.
High temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) can limit the adaptations to radiators or pipework when retrofitting. Because they produce water that is heated at similar levels when compared to a gas boiler, at 55-80°C, there is potential for limited additional requirements to rip out radiators or replace pipework. The design of an HTHP means that an installation could work with existing infrastructure, not against.
When an HTHP is compared to a standard heat pump in terms of installation, the HTHP is less problematic and quicker. Radiator and pipework compatibility means the HTHP can operate once installed.
Rinnai R290 high temperature air source heat pumps are ideal for DHW and heating projects. The R290 commercial air source heat pumps can be cascaded for greater heating and DHW output and offer a market-leading low-GWP solution that offer advanced controls.
They supply hot water up to 75°C ensuring system and design flexibility, while the Rinnai range of heat pump technology comes with a smart control system that features demand side response functionality which further future-proofs sustainability.
All R290 models have low noise capability, making them suitable for areas with challenging sound legislation, and the range has a SCOP of A+++ due to the increased efficiency achievable with the use of R290 refrigerant gas. This means that the Rinnai range of high-temperature heat pumps is one of the most cost-effective and economical heating solutions available.
