The hunt for the most efficient heat pump in the world
A retired chemistry teacher in northern England achieves a high heat pump efficiency of 5.5 COP, surpassing the UK average. Heat pumps gain popularity for environmental benefits. Engineers compete to maximize efficiency, facing challenges in data collection. Innovations promise higher efficiencies but face cost constraints and the Carnot limit.
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A retired chemistry teacher in northern England boasts one of the most efficient heat pump installations in the country, achieving a coefficient of performance (COP) of 5.5, surpassing the UK average of 2-3. Heat pumps are gaining popularity for their environmental benefits and energy efficiency, crucial in combating climate change. A community of heating engineers in the UK competes to maximize heat pump efficiency, with some systems reaching COPs of 6. Monitoring platforms like HeatPumpMonitor.org allow installers to showcase their work and track performance. While challenges exist in obtaining real-world data on heat pump efficiency, efforts are underway to study and improve these systems globally. Innovations like using propane as a refrigerant and harnessing heat from the ground or water sources promise even higher efficiencies, albeit at a higher cost. Despite advancements, there is a theoretical limit, known as the Carnot limit, that constrains the maximum efficiency a heat pump can achieve.
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5 commentsWhat has helped the most however was adding in a humidifier. Dry desert air is unforgiving and adding in water to the air made a huge difference in comfort. 68* F with 40% humidity is much more comfortable than the same with 5%.
The data recording setup they are typically using only works for air-to-water heat pumps, like you might use to heat water for radiators. They rely on a 'heat meter' that measures the water flow rate and temperature.
Typical setup: https://shop.openenergymonitor.com/level-3-heat-pump-monitor...
If your system is a typical US air-to-air 'split' system, you probably have a long loop of refrigerant in a pressurized tube to carry the heat. To measure efficiency, I think you either need to measure air flow accurately inside or outside, or measure refrigerant flow rate. Either one harder than the commercial meter for hot water.
So, no easy drop-in COP measurement for me.
And the same electricity can raise the temperature by even more degrees Fahrenheit!
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