Page 6 - EE Times Europe Magazine – June 2024

6 EE|Times EUROPE

COVER STORY

Unlocking Efficiency: Exploring

the Advantages of Heat Pumps

By Omara Aziz, Power Technology Segment Leader EMEA, Arrow Electronics

Heat pumps are rapidly gaining popularity as a sustainable and energy-efficient
solution for heating and cooling homes. Unlike traditional heating systems that
generate heat, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another,
providing an efficient way to manage indoor temperatures year-round. This article

explores the technology behind heat pumps, their types, their benefits and why they
are a smart choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

he European Union (EU) has established ambi- TYPES OF HEAT PUMPS
tious goals to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by Several types of heat pumps use air, water, ground (geothermal) or
waste as a heat source. However, the most common type in Europe is
2030 as part of its broader climate strategy, com- the air-source heat pump (ASHP), which extracts heat from the out-
T mitting to install 60 million heat pumps by 2030. side air. It is cost-effective and relatively easy to install, making it a
This approach aims to tackle climate change and drive a popular choice for residential use. The ASHP is classified as air-to-air
and air-to-water:
transition toward a low-carbon economy. The · Air-to-air heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and transfer
International Energy Agency has estimated that heat it to the indoor air. They can also work in reverse to cool the indoor
space. This is the most common type of heat pump for residential
pumps have the potential to reduce global CO 2 emissions
heating and cooling.
by at least 500 million tons in 2030. · Air-to-water heat pumps extract heat from the air but transfer it

Figure 1: Heat-pump refrigeration cycle

JUNE 2024 | www.eetimes.eu