A heat pump is a type of pump which moves heat from a low temperature area to a higher temperature area under supply of work. Air conditioners and refrigerators are prime examples of heat pumps. The task of a heat pump is to heat or cool a house depending on the season. The device takes advantage of the relationship between pressure and temperature in a gas. Heat pump is not a new concept. The concept of heat pumps was introduced way back in 1852. In 1927, the first practical model was introduced. Heat pump was introduced to the American market in the 1950s. Today millions of heat pumps are in use all across the world, successfully heating homes even in the coldest climates.Nowadays, electric heat pumps are also available for home heating and cooling needs in desert climate mainly.
Types of Heat Pumps:
- Gas Compression Heat Pumps
- Phase Change Heat Pumps
- Thermoelectric Heat Pumps that use the Peltier effect
- Geothermal Exchange Heat Pumps
- Vortex Tubes
Features and Uses of Heat Pumps:
- Heat pumps are extremely efficient in their use of energy.
- A heat pump contains a valve that lets it switch between "air conditioner" and "heater." When the valve is switched one way, the heat pump acts like an air conditioner, and when it is switched the other way, it acts like a heater.
- A heat pump is a year-round comfort conditioning system that uses refrigeration equipment to supply warm air in winter and cool air in summer.
- A heat pump is growing in popularity because high energy costs and possibility of future fuel shortages have led house owners to seek ways to reduce their heating and cooling costs. The new models of heat pumps available today are extremely reliable and cost efficient.
- It is cost efficient because it provides both heating and cooling capabilities in one system.
- A heat pump will supply about two times more heat than energy used. The greatest savings with a heat pump usually occurs during the heating season.
- Low-maintenance operation.
- Heat pumps are typically somewhat more efficient for heating than for cooling.
- Heat pumps are also nowadays used to heat swimming pools and to heat water for household use.
