Comfort System
A New Type of Heat Pump Based System for Commercial Buildings
A small water-air heat pump is installed in each room of the building and connected to a double pipe water supply.
Whenever excess residual heat is present in any part of the building (sunlight, elevators, copy room, server room, etc.), the heat pumps installed in these spaces operate under the cooling mode and store the residual heat in the source water, which is heated throughout the process. In those parts of the building, which have a heat deficit, the heat pumps operate in the heating mode utilizing the energy stored in the source water, which is chilled again during the process.
This state-of-the-art climate control system basically moves excess energy into those parts of the building where additional energy is required. Such a system is energy self-sufficient during the transitional periods between the seasons and, unlike in the case of a conventional climate control system, the central chiller and the boiler do not have to be used.
The entire system is known for its lower investment and operating costs and a longer lifespan compared to conventional climate control systems.How does the Comfort System work?
Use of the Comfort System in the Winter
During winter months, when the outside temperature drops to very low levels, practically all of the heat pumps operate in the heating mode. The temperature of the primary medium is reduced and the central boiler is activated in order to prevent the temperature from dropping below the minimum allowable level (see the figure to the right). In a Comfort System using a geothermal source of energy, the function of the central boiler is taken over by a geothermal heat exchanger.
Use of the Comfort System in the Summer
During summer months, when the outside temperature is usually high, almost all of the heat pumps installed on the system work in the cooling mode. The temperature of the primary medium approaches its making allowable limit and, unless a geothermal heat exchanger is available, the central chiller unit comes online.
Use of the Comfort System Between the Seasons
It is between the coldest and warmest seasons that the Comfort System is able to realize the greatest savings in operating costs. The system is able to very efficiently utilize the residual heat from sunlit rooms and mechanical spaces as a source of energy. Unlike in the case of conventional-type climate control systems, the central boiler and the central chiller are unneeded – this is the case at temperatures as low as 0 °C.
If you would like to learn more about the Comfort System, please fill out the following contact form and our sales representatives will be glad to prepare a study for your building.