Heat pumps - the stars of energy efficency
Heat pumps are efficient air conditioning systems that harness the thermal energy present in the surrounding environment to heat or cool indoor spaces.
Their operation is based on the principle of transferring heat from a lower temperature zone to a higher temperature one, using electric energy to move heat through a thermodynamic cycle. These systems offer advantages in terms of energy efficiency, as they can produce more thermal energy than the electrical energy consumed in their operation. They are used for heating and cooling residential homes, offices, pools, and other structures, thus helping to reduce environmental impact compared to conventional systems based on fossil fuels. The use of heat pumps is also widespread in the industrial sector, not only for air conditioning but also for certain phases of production processes.
In efforts to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and promote energy efficiency, many jurisdictions have introduced regulations requiring the use of renewable sources in new constructions and significant renovations. For new constructions, these regulations mandate the adoption of heating and cooling systems that utilize renewable sources, such as the installation of high-efficiency heat pumps combined with solar thermal and/or photovoltaic systems for energy production, or the implementation of geothermal systems.
In the case of significant renovations, improvements are expected to be made to existing systems to make them more energy-efficient, such as the installation of new heating or cooling systems based on renewable sources, upgrading building insulation to reduce heat loss, or the introduction of technologies for more efficient energy control and management.
One of the key element to consider for energy efficiency and environmental impact is the cooling gas employed as heat exchange media. This gas is a critical part of temperature control equipment. At the same time, chlorofluorocarbon gas used as a refrigerant is known as a greenhouse gas that has a negative impact on global warming.
In the 1980s, scientists began suspecting that HCFCs, then used as a main refrigerant source, contributed to destruction of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, called for eliminating all HCFCs by the year 2020.
Today, HFCs are used as the main source of refrigerants. These chemicals have no impact on the ozone layer; however, when released into the atmosphere, they cause a greenhouse effect that impacts global warming. Beginning in 2019, HFCs have joined the list of regulated chemicals subject to mandatory emissions restrictions.
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