Application of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Hydronic Heating & Cooling
About this course
This course satisfies the contractor training requirement set by the NYS Clean Heat program. You can submit this certificate of completion with your application to access the money for your customers. More details on page 53 of the program manual.
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Learning Objectives
- To understand the benefits offered by modern air-to-water heat pump systems relative to other heat pump systems.
- To learn the technical details needed to successfully build heating and cooling systems around air-to-water heat pump systems.
- To explain the options and advantages of low temperature hydronic heating delivery systems when used with air-to-water heat pumps.
- To learn the advantages and available options for small scale chilled water cooling using air-to-water heat pumps.
- To see how air-to-water heat pumps can be combined with an auxiliary boiler to provide two stage heat delivery.
- To comprehend the operation of complete heating / cooling and domestic water heating systems that use air-to-water heat pumps.
Course outline
5 modules • 35 assignments • 8:02 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 7 assignments
Introduction & Brief History of Air-Source Heat Pumps
This week provides an overview of the course, learning objectives, and background information on air-source heat pumps. It discusses the benefits of air-to-water heat pumps, and trends that point to a growing market in North America.
- Module 1 - Part A (17:56 minutes)
- Module 1 - Part B (40:20 minutes)
- Module 1 - Part C (15:18 minutes)
- Module 1 - Part D (15:22 minutes)
- Module 1 Part E (40:54 minutes)
- idronics #12 - Hydronics Fundamentals (.pdf)
- All Module 1 Presentation Slides (.pdf)
Module 2 • 8 assignments
Working With Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
This week presents the “nut & bolt” details of working with modern air-to-water heat pumps. It examines the thermal performance of modern vapor/compression air-to-water heat pumps, freeze protection options, use of buffer tanks, modulating versus fixed speed heat pumps, and integration of an auxiliary boiler. They details will all be applied in the example systems described later in the course.
- Module 2 - Part A (34:12 minutes) Preview
- Module 2 Part B (REV) (28:24 minutes)
- Module 2 - Part C (27:34 minutes)
- Module 2 - Part D (25:47 minutes)
- Module 2 - Part E (21:25 minutes)
- Module 2 - Part F (11:44 minutes)
- Module 2 (REV) all presentation slides (.pdf)
- (Module 2 Part D) Revised slide #100 (.pdf)
Module 3 • 4 assignments
Low-Temperature Heat Emitters & Distribution Systems
This week focuses on heat emitter options and the important of designing the heating distribution system to operate at low supply water temperatures. Several heat emitters are discussed, and preferred piping layouts are shown.
- Module 3 Part A (01:03:18 hours)
- Module 3 Part B (24:56 minutes)
- Module 3 all presentation slides (.pdf)
- heat emitter retrofit possibilities (.pdf)
Module 4 • 3 assignments
Small-Scale Chilled Water Cooling Using Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
The week is devoted to smaller scale chilled water cooling, which allows air-to-water heat pumps to provided zoned cooling and dehumidification. Both sensible and latent cooling are described along with terminal unit options including radiant panel cooling.
- Module 4 Part A (the only part) (31:45 minutes)
- Revised slide 173 (.pdf)
- Module 4 all slides (REV 10-10-16) (.pdf)
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Example Systems
This week presents several complete system designs for heating cooling and ancillary loads. They include piping schematics, control concepts, electrical wiring, and descriptions of operation.
- Module 5 Part A (35:42 minutes) Preview
- Module 5 Part B (15:39 minutes)
- Module 5 Part C (09:03 minutes)
- Module 5 Part D (12:10 minutes)
- Module 5 Part E (11:10 minutes)
- Module 5 all presentation slides PDF (.pdf)
- Final Quiz
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Instructor
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John Siegenthaler
P.E., Appropriate DesignsJohn Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a licensed professional engineer, and Professor Emeritus of Engineering Technology at Mohawk Valley Community College. “Siggy” has over 40 years of experience in designing modern hydronic systems. He is a hall-of-fame member of the Radiant Panel Association, and a... Learn more