Heat Pump Basics

A heat pump is a device or a machine used in thermal solutions to move heat from one location to another. It refers to a device that moves heat specifically from its source to another location known as a heat sink. Heat pumps are used for either heating or cooling, and depending on its coil structure, may contain both an evaporator and a condenser in order to either cool or heat depending on the device function. Reversing valves are used to determine which coil will be the condenser and which will be the evaporator.

Practical examples of heat pumps can be found in air conditioners, freezers, and refrigerators. In many cases, heat pumps will refer to vapor compression devices in order for the heat flow direction to be reversed for cooling purposes. Heat pumps generally draw heat as their energy source and draw this heat from either the ground, or the air around or moving within the unit.

When heat pumps are used for cooling, a fluid known as a refrigerant is used so that heat can be absorbed and then vaporized, releasing heat through the condenser. The evaporator is used to absorb heat from the inside, to the outside, by using the condenser. The refrigerant fluid will flow outside of the area that needs to be conditioned. Frequently, the condenser and compressor are found on the outside of the units, while the evaporator does the work on the inside. The key component that makes all of this happen is the reversing valve, which allows for the change of heat direction at any time for the most effective thermal management solutions.