The heat pump becomes more digital
The heat pump is the heating system of the future - there is no longer any doubt about that. But what criteria should homeowners and installation companies use to select the right device? In addition to quality, efficiency and sustainability, digital solutions are also playing an increasingly important role in heat pumps.
Sales figures for heat pumps in Germany rose by more than 50 percent last year - triggered in part by the outbreak of the Ukraine war and the resulting uncertainties surrounding oil and gas. Even if we are still a long way from the 500,000 installations targeted by the German government as an annual expansion goal, the future belongs to the heat pump. Politicians and market players agree on this. But there are also uncertainties among homeowners, especially when it comes to using them in existing buildings. So what should you look out for when buying?
Major differences in quality, efficiency and sustainability
In Germany in particular, there are a large number of companies that develop and produce heat pumps. Top dogs like Vaillant and Viessmann originally started out as locksmiths and then moved on to heat pumps via the production of oil and gas boilers. Manufacturers such as Samsung and Daikin, which started out in air-conditioning technology, are entering the market from Asia. At first glance, the offers are similar, but if you look closer, there are big differences in terms of quality, efficiency and sustainability of heat pumps. This is where installers have an important task. They have to advise customers correctly and select the right heat pump for the application.
Heat pumps using the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) are increasingly becoming the standard. This refrigerant already meets the requirements of the European F-Gas Regulation and the corresponding heat pumps will continue to be subsidized by the German government in the future - something that will soon no longer apply to other technologies. R290 has very good thermodynamic properties. Accordingly, the heat pumps consume up to 25 percent less electricity on average. This immediately makes the products significantly more efficient than conventional devices - and even more interesting for existing buildings.
Natural refrigerants are more environmentally friendly
In addition, propane has a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to synthetic refrigerants and is therefore more environmentally friendly. Although in theory there are no CO2 emissions with a heat pump, experience already shows that in this pressure system, micro-cracks in the pipes can occur in about one in ten systems, through which greenhouse gases then very well escape. Unforeseen CO2 emissions can also occur during the disposal of the heat pump. This is because if the system is dismantled carelessly, there is a risk that gases will escape. For comparison, the widely used synthetic refrigerant R410A has a GWP value of 2088; the GWP value of R290 propane, by comparison, is three. So natural refrigerants like propane not only make heat pumps many times more efficient. The refrigerant used is also a decisive factor in how sustainable a heat pump is.
Just as important as the efficiency and sustainability of the heat pumps is the quality of the components used. After all, the longer the heating system runs, the more economical the overall system is, of course. What is also an important distinguishing feature: Can individual components in the heat pump be repaired and replaced - or does the entire unit have to be removed and reinstalled in the event of a possible defect? After all, replacing a defective heat pump is an expensive and time-consuming affair. From an environmental point of view, too, repairing a defective part is of course much more sustainable than replacing it.
Skills shortage: digitization as a solution
However, the quality of the heat pump plays an important role not only for customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. The installation of a high-quality, repairable and durable heat pump also relieves the workload of installation companies, because the installation and maintenance effort is significantly lower than otherwise - keyword: shortage of skilled workers. In view of the insufficient installation capacities in the heating sector, digitalization will also contribute more and more to the success of the heat turnaround. Digital visualization of the heating system speeds up the entire process of planning and installing the system and ensures greater efficiency in operation. Ultimately, this also has a positive impact on customers' wallets.
A currently promising approach to digitally visualize and manage heat pumps are so-called "digital twins". These are virtual representations of the corresponding heating system, via which remote analyses can be carried out and settings made in real time. Should a defect or inefficiency ever occur despite the high quality of the installed heat pump, these can be quickly identified online with the digital twin. This means that the installation companies no longer have to carry out time-consuming troubleshooting on site. In many cases, the problem can already be solved digitally. If this is not the case, however, the tradesmen already know where they need to start and which spare part may be required before they go on site.
Conclusion
The market for heat pumps is diverse, but the devices on offer can be easily distinguished from one another in terms of their quality, efficiency and sustainability. Digitalization is also playing an increasingly important role, because digital operation of a heat pump makes life easier for installers and customers during installation and maintenance. A digital twin simultaneously ensures that the heating system is operated as efficiently as possible. The entire heating system can be visualized and optimized via the system - and, if desired, also integrates other components such as a photovoltaic and solar thermal system. Via a web app, homeowners and installers can make settings to the heating system - always with an eye on the best functionality and the highest efficiency.
Note: the original article from 05.09.2023 you will find on DeinEnergiePortal.de
