Weather control unit, buffer tank, hot water tank
How does the heat pump make sure I get an ideal room temperature in the most efficient way?
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All of our heat pumps can be delivered with a weather control unit. This device controls the heat pump so that the temperature in the heating system is adjusted depending on the outdoor temperature. The relationship between the outdoor temperature depends on multiple factors including insulation, type of heating system (radiators or underfloor heating) and so on.
Heat pumps function in a way that makes higher water output temperatures less efficient. The weather control unit ensures the heat pump does not produce higher water temperatures than needed at any time. It lets the temperature vary according to the heat demand.
While producing hot tap water a temperature of around 50 C is needed. However for heat production, high temperatures are seldom required unless it is a very cold outside. The heat pump can therefore work at lower temperature and only go up to a higher temperature while producing hot tap water or when it is really needed. This results in a higher coefficient of performance (COP) and increased economical efficiency.
To use a heat pump with a weather control unit to its max, and use the whole surface of all radiators, it is recommended that thermostatic valves are completely removed. The control unit works at high precision on the room temperature and therefore the flow over the heating circuit has to be even and not disrupted by thermostats. This does not including heating systems that use buffer tanks.
We recommend that you let the heat pump use the weather control unit together with a buffer tank. In this system, you can keep the thermostatic valves and control the temperature in each room separately.
Better Planet recommends that heat pumps are installed with a buffer tank.
If you use a large amount of hot tap water within a short period of time, the heat pump will switch to producing hot tap water only. This can last for up to three hours, at which point the control system switches over to heating. While the heat pump is producing hot tap water the temperature in the heating system (e.g. radiators, underfloor heating) will decrease and the pipes in the floors and walls will contract. When the heat pump switches back to heating production, the temperature in the heating system will increase and the pipes will expand resulting in clicking noises in parts of the property.
By using a buffer tank the heating process is much more even, resulting in no noise and better comfort. This is because the water in the buffer tank can circulate through the heating system while the heat pump is producing hot water.
Our buffer tanks look the same as our hot water tanks.
Our integral hot water tanks in the Komplett range of heat pumps have a 160 litre capacity. For other heat pump models we can deliver separate double jacketed hot water tanks. Our tests have shown that the best performance is achieved with a storage heater of 200 or 300 litres installed in larger tank (e.g. 500 litres). These tanks can also be fitted with a solar loop.
Tank with the connections on the front. Available as a buffer tank or double jacketed hot water tank.
Dimensions: 70/ 70/ 175 cm
Tank with connections on the top. Available as a buffer tank or double jacketed hot water tank.
If you have a heating system with a large volume of water you might not require a buffer tank but we would recommend that you remove all valves on the radiators. For a good operating performance the flow has to be even and not disturbed by thermostatic valves. With a buffer tank you can keep the thermostatic valves and therefore control the temperature in each room separately.
Another advantage of installing a buffer tank is that the compressor will be on for longer each time it starts. This increases the life of the compressor which gets worn out by short, repetitive cycles of starting and stopping.
The heating system has to contain at least 20 litres of water per kilowatt of heat pump effect and the buffer tank can contain a significant amount of this.
