The aerothermy It consists of extracting free energy from the outside air. To achieve this, a high-efficiency heat pump is used, with the ultimate goal of transferring it to another device. These systems are based on the implementation of air-water or air-air heat pumps.
The pumps running through the aerothermy They extract energy from the outside air and then transfer it to the water used by the heating system and/or convert it into domestic hot water. These systems are designed and manufactured with the aim of achieving maximum performance under adverse weather conditions, whether winter or summer.
The effectiveness of aerothermal energy in winter
The key to the success of aerothermy is without a doubt the use of heat pumps. Air, even when the temperature is very low, contains energy. This is absorbed by the refrigerant contained in the circuit connecting the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
In air-water pumps, the inside unit absorbs the energy from the outside air and transfers it to the indoor unit which is equipped with a hydraulic module that conditions the environment and/or sends heat to the boiler. Air-to-air heat pumps use a refrigerant in the circuits that connect both units. The effect is the same: heating or cooling the indoor climate.
Performance of aerothermal energy systems
heat pumps energy systems aerothermy They have a high level of efficiency. Performance is indicated by the COP (Coefficient of Performance), also called maximum operating coefficient, which according to the manufacturer should be greater than 3, and ideally between 4 and 5.
This COP implies that, under ideal conditions, aerothermy They can produce 4 to 5 thermal kW-hours for every electrical kW-hour they consume. And to do this, most of the time (up to 75%) renewable energy (outside air) is used, which is free and non-polluting. The electricity consumption is therefore very low: only 25% is needed for the compressor and fan.
The systems aerothermy They even work at extreme temperatures down to -20ºC. If they cannot provide the correct temperature, they often use automatic support equipment. They also work in combination with condensing boilers.
Because the COP increases with higher outdoor temperatures, energy-based heating systems aerothermy They are ideal for places with a temperate to warm climate, as the fact that the outside temperature is lower implies a decrease in their performance. And in summer, by reversing the cycle you get cold thermal conditioning.
Aerothermal energy and energy saving
The energy savings achieved by aerothermy It is really significant compared to conventional water heating and thermal conditioning systems. Although this will also depend on the building’s heating systems and local climatic conditions.
If the building installation has diesel boilers, it is quite possible that a heat pump can be installed and the energy can be utilized. aerothermy. If radiators are used, the savings are between 15 and 20% and if the heating system is underfloor heating, it can be up to 50-55%.
This means that not only will there be significant energy and economic savings, but the ecological footprint of the building and that of all its occupants will be positively affected, thanks to the fact that these systems are much more sustainable and less harmful to the environment . environment. In addition to the aerothermy It has short repayment terms, less than 5 years. And if the energy source is renewable, the results achieved are truly significant.
To consider
Before you invest in energy aerothermy A comprehensive analysis must be carried out taking into account all factors: climatic, economic, previous installations, etc.
- The initial investment is important, but it pays for itself very quickly.
- Installation requires an indoor unit and an outdoor unit (which may affect the aesthetics of the building)
- Some devices can be slightly noisy depending on the manufacturer.
- In cold areas, performance is reduced.
- It is most advisable to have radiators or underfloor heating in advance.
Benefits of aerothermal
- Very high efficiency
- Simple installation, taking up little space and requiring no chimneys or boiler rooms
- Low operating costs.
- Maximum savings in ideal conditions.
- Adaptable and compatible with other existing installations.
- Thermal conditioning for all year round
- Clean energy, with very low CO2 emissions.
- Estimated return periods between low and medium.
The future of aerothermal energy
Experts say this thermal conditioning system could be crucial for all types of buildings to achieve much-needed decarbonization. This would imply that the aerothermy Not only would the environment be helped by reducing pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but its effect would also have a significant economic component.
Thanks to the fact that renewable energy sources are receiving an important boost at national, European and global levels, the contribution of a sustainable system such as aerothermywould be the ideal complement to continuing the fight to mitigate climate change, decarbonize electricity production and reduce demand.