Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps
A Heat Pump is a machine or device that moves heat from one location (the 'source') to another location (the 'sink' or 'heat sink') using mechanical work. Most heat pump technology moves heat from a low temperature heat source to a higher temperature heat sink. An air conditioning unit is a common example. At eco NRG Solutions we specialize in reverse-cycle heat pumps in order to provide thermal comfort.
Air Source Heat Pumps are designed to make use of outside air as a heat source. A compressor, condenser and refrigerant system is used to absorb heat at one place and release it at another. This product can be used as either an air-conditioning unit or a heat sink; i.e. to heat hot water/heating. An air source heat pump typically draws approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the electricity of a standard resistance heater for the same amount of heating.
Ground Source Heat Pumps follow the same principle as air source heat pumps however this design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems. To install a ground source heat pump you need a large amount of accessible land.
On 1st February 2010, the Government published a consultation on the proposed design of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which it aims to introduce in April 2011. The RHI will provide financial support for those who install renewable heating, such as air/ground source heat pumps. For information on this please visit www.econrgsolutions.co.uk/feedintariffs.html