Wärmepumpen

Wärmepumpen are devices that transfer thermal energy from a heat source, such as the ambient air, ground, or water, to a heat sink, typically a building's heating system. They operate on the principle of refrigeration, using a refrigerant cycle to absorb heat at a low temperature and release it at a higher temperature. This process is the reverse of how a refrigerator works, which removes heat from its interior and releases it into the room.

The energy source for a Wärmepumpe can be renewable, making them an environmentally friendly option for heating and cooling. Air source Wärmepumpen extract heat from the outside air, even in cold temperatures. Geothermal Wärmepumpen utilize the stable temperature of the earth or groundwater. Water source Wärmepumpen draw heat from nearby bodies of water. The efficiency of a Wärmepumpe is measured by its Coefficient of Performance (COP), which indicates the ratio of heat output to the electrical energy input. A higher COP signifies greater efficiency.

Wärmepumpen can provide both heating and cooling. In heating mode, they absorb heat from the external source and transfer it to the building. In cooling mode, they reverse the process, extracting heat from the building and releasing it outside. This dual functionality makes them a versatile solution for climate control. Their adoption is growing as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel heating systems, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.