FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Cliff Jones, Head of Applied at Daikin explains the efficiencies of air-to-water inverter heat pumps for large buildings
The recent UN climate summit COP29 held in Azerbaijan ended 33 hours late and with no country getting what they wanted, according to the head of the UN climate body Simon Stiell. There was however agreement on the need to transition away from fossil fuels, though the details won’t be debated until COP30, which takes place next year in Brazil. One of the few positives to come out of COP29 was the fact that agreement was reached on the remaining sections of Article 6 on carbon markets, meaning all elements of the Paris Agreement have been finalised nearly 10 years after it was signed.
This means that the importance of renewable sustainable solutions for the facilities industry has never been more prominent than it is today. When it comes to reducing HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) air-to-water inverter heat pumps have gained traction as a viable solution for heating and cooling large buildings, as these systems offer several advantages over traditional fossil fuel heating systems, especially when it comes to energy savings, operational efficiency, and environmental impact.
INVERTER HEAT PUMPS
Air-to-water inverter heat pumps are systems that extract heat energy from the outside air and transfer it to water, which is then circulated to provide space heating, domestic hot water and cooling. Unlike conventional on/off heat pumps, inverter-driven systems use variable-speed compressors, which allow them to adjust their output according to the exact needs of the building. This results in lower starting currents, reduced energy consumption and enhanced comfort levels.
These heat pumps can operate efficiently even in cold climates, making them suitable for large buildings with high heating demands. The inverter technology allows the system to vary its speed, providing only the energy required at any given time, which avoids the constant on-off cycles common in traditional systems. This results in substantial energy savings – often up to 30 per cent compared to non-inverter systems – leading to lower utility bills, which can be significant in larger buildings with expansive heating needs.
CHANGEABLE TEMPERATURES
In sizeable buildings, the heating or cooling load fluctuates throughout the day and across different occupied spaces. Inverter heat pumps adjust the compressor’s speed to match the actual heating or cooling demand in real-time. This load-matching capability reduces energy wastage and maintains a more consistent indoor environment, which is crucial for both occupant comfort and efficient operation.
Zoning is another consideration for large buildings, which recognises that different areas can have unique temperature needs. Air-to-water inverter heat pumps are ideal for this application, as they can be installed in a modular format, which allows for customised heating and cooling across various zones. This all aligns to make commercial HVAC systems more flexible and energy efficient, as it ensures that only occupied or high-traffic areas are heated or cooled, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in unoccupied spaces. The modular approach provides an element of redundancy and improves defrost management.
SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Additionally, the use of inverter-driven air-to-water heat pumps contributes to sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels due to them being highly energy efficient, with many models boasting a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 or higher. This means they produce three times the thermal energy for every unit of electricity consumed, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Modern air-to-water inverter heat pumps are engineered to operate effectively even in low temperatures, with some units designed to work efficiently at temperatures as low as -20°C. For large buildings in colder climates, this reduces the need for a hybrid approach with supplementary heating sources, further improving overall system efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Air-to-water inverter heat pumps represent a highly efficient and environmentally friendly solution for large buildings. Their ability to dynamically adjust output, support zoning, and operate in lower temperatures makes them well-suited to the diverse needs of large spaces.
As more property owners and facilities managers look for sustainable ways to cut energy costs, these systems are likely to play a central role in the HVAC landscape for commercial and multi-residential buildings. With the right planning and installation, air-to-water inverter heat pumps can be a long-lasting, cost-effective solution that supports both operational and environmental goals.
A key step to ensuring effective specification of air-to-water inverter heat pumps in a commercial setting is partnering with an expert supplier. This is crucial. Under or over-specification can nullify the performance and energy efficiency of a system, so having a trusted partner involved in the project will prevent any of these issues.
