In a bid to reduce greenhouse gases to zero by 2050, UK officials announced their goal to install upwards of 600,000 heat pumps across the country within the next six years.
Although relatively new technology, heat pumps work by extracting outside air, circulating it around to increase its temperature, and redistributing it throughout a building to provide comfortable heating. Though these devices rely on electricity, they’re far cleaner and more energy-efficient for heating applications than traditional gas-fired boilers.
As sustainable design becomes an everyday topic for MEP engineers and building professionals, heat pumps are the next big challenge that may one day replace most gas-powered units in homes and buildings.
Recently, researchers at Glasgow University have designed a new, cost-effective heat pump that they say will cut energy consumption by 10%.
Fossil-free heating for the 21st century
Glasgow University’s new heat pump design combines a traditional configuration with an onboard heat storage unit in the form of a water reservoir.
The system is far more efficient because excess thermal energy is captured and stored within the water tank. Storing heat in water allows for more efficient temperature control and helps retain heat energy for later use without the major losses found in traditional heat pumps. Power savings increase proportionally when the heat supply temperature is higher.
Additionally, this water-based heat pump can run continuously, even while defrosting. A feature that most current home models don’t yet have.
Overall, this new design can deliver higher performance while reducing energy consumption. Early prototypes have already delivered upwards of 4% efficiency gain compared to commercial units. Analysis shows that optimal systems could provide up to 10% overall increased efficiency.
Carbon emissions and heat pumps
Roughly 40% of the world’s carbon emissions stem directly from domestic and commercial heating applications that rely on fossil fuels. As such, proponents in the UK view heat pumps as an ideal transition away from gas-powered boilers prevalent in most homes today.
Gas boilers provide over 80% of the UK’s domestic heating. This means the national rollout of heat pumps will affect millions of residents. Last year, the International Energy Agency called for a global ban on gas boilers by 2025 and specifically suggested heat pumps as the most sustainable solution.
Sustainable heating solutions for tomorrow
The key issue in the UK’s massive heat pump rollout over the next few years will be obtaining electricity to power these units. Experts worry that power grids may be affected by the increased burden of electricity consumption as residents rely more and more on heat pumps.
Additionally, electric heat pumps will only result in lower carbon emissions if electricity itself is sourced or generated in more environmentally friendly ways. Fortunately, our national power grid is moving towards a more sustainable path through solar and wind generation while relying less on fossil fuel-powered plants.
Given its innovative and cost-effective design, Glasgow University’s new heat pump units may be the short-term solution we need as we continue to transition into a gas-free, net-zero society.