It is the first direct and indirect zero emission domestic commercial unit. Currently, there are already units that use the same technology, which is aerothermal energy, but they do not use natural fluids such as propane.
Our pump makes it possible to heat homes while being totally respectful of the environment, without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In addition, its high energy efficiency allows it to be classified as renewable energy, pumping energy from the environment.
José Gonzálvez, director of the thermal area of the University Institute of Energy Engineering Research of the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
Among its advantages, the heat pump developed by UPV and Saunier Duval can also generate hot water for heating at temperatures up to 75°C with very high energy efficiency, which is not possible with conventional heat pumps.
Moreover, it can be installed not only in newly constructed buildings, but also to replace gas boilers in existing buildings. And it also allows the application of anti-legionella treatment without the need for external support.
The unit is high efficiency (A+++), so for every kWh of electricity consumed, it produces 6.48 kWh of heating for the home. As for the production of domestic hot water, for each electrical kWh consumed, it generates 4.43 kWh.
In the technical development that has been carried out, it has been possible to achieve energy efficiencies similar to those of the refrigerants currently used, with a high global warming potential (GWP).
For this, we carried out an analysis of the best configuration of the vapor compression cycle adapted to the refrigerant used (propane), minimizing the quantity used and optimizing the control parameters of the unit.
And for the years to come, the main challenge will be to increase the efficiency of this equipment at low ambient temperatures and to equip it with an intelligent system allowing early detection of breakdowns or the degradation of its efficiency over time. .
Jose Gonzalvez.
Going through www.upv.es