Types of heat pump

Heat pumps transfer heat from a lower temperature source to one of a higher temperature. This is the opposite of the natural flow of heat, and is similar to the process used in refrigeration.

Heat pumps can be used domestically or commercially to provide hot water, space heating (either by providing hot water for under-floor heating or radiators, or supplying hot air) or other applications such as heating swimming pools.

In the UK, heat pumps are most commonly air-source or ground-source heat pumps. However, the temperature of ground water sources in the UK tends to be fairly constant for most of the year, at between 8 and 12°C, and so water source heat pumps can be more efficient - but this requires access to a suitable water source.

For more information see: Heat pump.

There are a wide range of different types of heat pump. The list below summarises some of the main types, with links to articles providing more information.

• Absorption heat pump.
• Air source heat pumps.
• Ambient loop heat pump system.
• Closed loop heat pump system.
• Exhaust air heat pump.
• Gas absorption heat pump.
• Ground source heat pumps.
• Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
• Open loop heat pump system.
• Reverse cycle heat pump system.
• Room-based heat pumps.
• Sewage heat pump.
• Solar-assisted heat pump.
• Water loop heat pump system.
• Water source heat pumps.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Absorption heat pump.
• A decade for heat pumps.
• Air source heat pumps.
• BSRIA domestic hot water heat pumps testing.
• Domestic heat pumps and the electricity supply system.
• Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
• Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
• Exhaust air heat pump.
• Ground energy options.
• Ground source heat pumps.
• Heat exchanger.
• Heat pumps and heat waves: How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
• Heat recovery.
• Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
• Reversible heat pumps to provide comfort cooling.
• Room-based heat pumps.
• The different types of heat pumps and their uses.
• Water source heat pumps.
• What are the different types of heat pumps and where would you use them?

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