How does a heat pump work?
Solid Energy develops market-leading heat pumps for large installations with temperatures up to 150°C and proven efficiency. Our solutions include air/water, water/water and combined systems, all designed and manufactured in Denmark with five-year service contracts. With over 150 units delivered since 2018, we offer complete solutions from design to installation and service.
The basic principle behind the heat pump
A heat pump works on the same principle as a refrigerator, just the other way around. Where a refrigerator removes heat from the inside and gives it off to the outside, a heat pump draws heat from the surroundings and transfers it to your building.
This occurs through a thermodynamic process in which a refrigerant switches state between liquid and gas at different temperatures and pressures. Even at temperatures down to -20°C, sufficient heat energy exists in the air for a heat pump to operate efficiently.
Solid Energy's heat pumps are designed to make optimal use of this principle with natural refrigerants that ensure both high efficiency and environmental friendliness.
The technical process behind the heat pump
The heat pump circuit consists of four main components that work together in a continuous cycle to move heat from the surroundings to your building.
1. Evaporator
In the evaporator, the refrigerant meets the heat source, which can be outdoor air, groundwater or ground heat. The refrigerant has a very low boiling point, which allows it to evaporate even in cold environments. When the refrigerant absorbs heat, it changes from liquid to gas.
2. The compressor
The compressor is the heart of the heat pump and the only component that uses electricity. It compresses the gaseous coolant, significantly increasing both pressure and temperature, often to 60-80°C or higher.
Solid Energy's heat pumps use advanced inverter technology that continuously adjusts the speed based on the need. This provides better efficiency and more stable temperature control.
3. Capacitor
In the condenser, the hot, compressed gas gives off its heat to the heating system and condenses back into liquid form. This is where the heat from the surroundings becomes available for heating your building.
4. Expansion valve
The expansion valve expands the liquid refrigerant, which leads to pressure drop and temperature decrease. This prepares the refrigerant for the next cycle, and this basic thermodynamic process is repeated continuously as long as the heat pump is in operation.
What types of heat pumps are there?
Solid Energy develops market-leading heat pumps for district heating and industry. Our solutions are designed for large plants and adapted to each application.
Air/Water Heat Pumps
Air/water heat pumps harness heat from the outside air and transfer it to water-based heating systems. They are suitable for district heating and can work efficiently even at low outdoor temperatures.
AWB - air/water brine
The AWB series is designed for flexible installation and low complexity district heating. With a brine air cooler and the ability to install local plumbing, AWB offers great flexibility in project design and plant operations. The series is particularly suitable for areas with varying installation conditions.
AWD - air/water direct
The AWD series is designed for high efficiency and efficient district heating. Direct evaporation of refrigerant ensures high efficiency and low energy loss, perfect for modern district heating projects. The AWD systems provide high energy utilization through the direct heat exchange.
Water/water heat pumps
Water/water heat pumps utilize stable water sources such as groundwater or surface water. The constant temperature of the water source provides high and predictable efficiency all year round.
LWB - water/water
The LWB series is designed for all temperature levels and easy integration. A versatile solution for both water and brine, adapted to the project and installed by local professionals. The systems can handle different water qualities and temperature requirements.
Combined systems
Combined systems deliver multiple functions from the same installation and optimize energy consumption throughout the year.
LWC - combi
The LWC series is designed for year-round operation with heating, cooling and recycling. One plant provides three functions such as winter heating, summer cooling and heat recovery between seasons. The system is intelligent and sustainable by harnessing waste heat and reducing overall energy consumption.
ALW - combi
The ALW series is designed for year-round comfort and capability. A combined heating and cooling solution that balances energy and comfort throughout all seasons. The ALW systems ensure a stable indoor climate regardless of the season.
Natural refrigerants
Solid Energy's heat pumps are unique in achieving high efficiency through the use of natural refrigerants. This makes them a good choice in both sustainability and operational economics and ensures sustainable solutions.
Need help with your next project?
Solid Energy is ready to help your project on its way with innovative solutions based on efficient and well-thought-out products, as well as a large catalog of references and concrete operating scenarios. Reach out to us for quick help.
Efficiency and performance in practice
The efficiency of the heat pump is measured by the COP, which shows the ratio of heat produced to electricity consumed. Modern heat pumps deliver significantly more heat energy than the electricity they consume.
Temperature and efficiency
Efficiency is affected by the temperature difference between heat source and desired temperature level. Less difference yields higher efficiency, which explains why underfloor heating systems require less energy than traditional radiators.
Solid Energy's heat pumps can deliver temperatures up to 150°C, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications and district heating.
Practical results
With Solid Energy's heat pump, Karup Varmeværk has built a plant that supplies 75% of heat from green energy sources and can adjust heat production according to energy prices.
Installation and placement
Installation of heat pumps for district heating and industry requires planning and expertise. Solid Energy provides complete solutions and handles the process from design to commissioning.
Placement requirements
Heat pumps for larger plants require space for both outdoor and indoor components.
Location must take into account noise considerations, service availability and integration with existing systems. Solid Energy's heat pumps are among the quietest on the market.
Installation process
We provide heat pumps as complete solutions, which simplifies installation. Our systems offer great flexibility for installation and scaling, and we offer “FAT testing” in the factory before delivery.
Solid Energy's team ensures proper installation and integration with existing systems. We work with local plumbers to ensure an efficient process.
Service and maintenance
We offer five-year service and maintenance agreements that ensure stable operation and protect your investment throughout the life of the system.
The agreement includes, among other things, annual inspections, system performance monitoring, proactive replacement of wear parts, prompt support in case of urgent problems, and ongoing software updates and optimization. With a service agreement, you get both reliability and predictability in costs.
Advantages of heat pumps in district heating and industry
Heat pumps offer tangible benefits for district heating and industrial applications. Solid Energy's solutions combine high efficiency with sustainable solutions that meet both current and future requirements.
Environmental benefits
Solid Energy's heat pumps use natural refrigerants, ensuring minimal environmental impact and compliance with environmental requirements. The systems reduce CO₂ emissions compared to traditional heat sources such as oil and gas.
Heat pumps utilize renewable energy sources such as air heating and ground heat, making them a sustainable solution for district heating systems. The high efficiency means less energy consumption and lower overall environmental impact.
Economic benefits
Heat pumps deliver more heat energy than the electricity they consume, resulting in lower operating costs. Solid Energy's systems are designed for reliable operation with minimal maintenance, reducing ongoing expenses.
With service contracts over five years, district heating companies and industry get predictable operating costs and guarantee stable performance. The investment in heat pumps typically pays off through energy savings and lower operating expenses.
Technical advantages
Solid Energy's heat pumps can deliver temperatures up to 150°C, making them suitable for both traditional district heating systems and demanding industrial processes. The systems are flexible in terms of scale and can be adapted to both small and large plants.
Intelligent control and monitoring ensure efficient operation under varying loads. The systems can be integrated with existing infrastructure and operate efficiently year-round regardless of weather conditions.
Future-proofing
Natural refrigerants ensure that Solid Energy's heat pumps comply with current and future environmental regulations. The technology has been developed for the future requirements of sustainable energy solutions.
With reliable Danish technology and comprehensive service, customers get a solution that works stably over many years of operation and contributes to the transition to green energy.
Solid Energy's heat pumps
Solid Energy develops market-leading heat pumps that create value and drive the green transition. Our solutions combine Danish design with natural refrigerants for high efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Since 2018, we have delivered over 150 units for district heating and industry.
We provide complete solutions and handle the process from design to installation and service. Our five-year service contracts ensure stable operation and protect the investment throughout the life of the system.
All Solid Energy's heat pumps are manufactured in Denmark with a focus on long life and high quality.
