HEAT PUMPS & UNDERFLOOR HEATING
MANUFACTURER - ALTECNIC
Anti-freeze valve.
Protecting and optimising heat pump installations HEAT PUMPS CAN BE A COSTLY INVESTMENT. MARK MOGEY, HEAD OF OEM SALES AT ALTECNIC, EXPLORES TWO COMPONENTS THAT CAN HELP PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE EFFICIENCY OF THESE SYSTEMS…
Mark Mogey, Altecnic.
H eat pump installations are growing in popularity as they improve the efficiency of energy systems and can reduce bills by up to 26%*. Heat pumps can be a costly investment that needs to be protected and, as such, careful consideration should be used when selecting components to optimise and protect each part of the system. So, what can be done to protect and maintain the efficiency of these systems? Here, Mark Mogey, Head of OEM Sales & ROI at Altecnic, explores two components which, if installed correctly, can help protect and optimise heat pumps. ANTI-FREEZE VALVES Anti-freeze valves are a cost-effective solution to protect heat pump installations from freezing, which is a common problem during the winter. HOW THE ANTI-FREEZE VALVE WORKS An anti-freeze valve is designed to be installed in the flow and return pipework
PROTECTION AND OPTIMISATION
from the heat pump and installed on the external pipework. By opening at temperatures below 3°C, an anti-freeze valve allows system content to be dripped and discharged safely, preventing the system from freezing and protecting the installation. At temperatures above 4°C, the valve then shuts again to stop unnecessary draining. Overall, it does exactly as it implies, as it prevents the freezing of heat pumps and pipework. With the valve designed specifically for heat pump installation, it is compact and easy to install. PROTECTION FOR EXPOSED INSTALLATIONS Even for installations in areas that are especially exposed – those that are usually hit hardest by freezing – an anti-freeze valve can continue to function efficiently. The anti-freeze valve becomes especially useful in the coldest months as it helps to save thousands of pounds in having to replace frozen installations by maintaining the heat pump and pipework.
When the heat pump installation is protected, it can then be optimised to work as efficiently as possible. The efficiency within the system relies on the ‘start-up’ period of the heating cycle being correctly balanced, thus preventing it from pulling an excessive amount of energy. If a heat pump installation were to draw a large amount of energy, then the end-user should expect there to be a negative impact on the operation of the entire system. INDEPENDENTLY MANAGING FLOW RATES Any system that has a heat pump as its energy source would benefit from installing an automatic dynamic balancing valve. By accurately managing the flow rates throughout the heating circuit using a flow-settable, pressure- independent, thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), an installer can optimise their design and ensure each part of the
“Anti-freeze valves are a cost-effective solution to protect heat pump installations from freezing, which is a common problem during the winter.”
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