Heat Pumps 101: How SST’s Universal Water Tanks Elevate System Efficiency
Engineered for Installers, Built for Performance
As a leading Chinese manufacturer of heat pump-compatible Water Tanks, SST empowers UK installers and engineering firms with high-performance solutions that maximize ROI for commercial and residential projects. Whether you’re retrofitting air-source systems or designing geothermal networks, understanding heat pump fundamentals and their synergy with water storage is key to optimizing installations.
1. What Are Heat Pumps?
A heat pump is a renewable energy device that transfers heat from low-temperature sources (air, ground, or water) to higher-temperature spaces using a refrigeration cycle. Unlike traditional boilers that generate heat, heat pumps move heat—achieving 300-400% efficiency (COP 3-4) compared to electric resistance heaters
Key Components:
Evaporator: Absorbs ambient heat, converting refrigerant to gas.
Compressor: Increases gas pressure and temperature.
Condenser: Releases heat to water tanks or indoor spaces.
Expansion Valve: Cools refrigerant to restart the cycle
2. Why Water Tanks Are Critical for Heat Pump Systems
Heat pumps rely on thermal storage to balance supply and demand. SST’s stainless steel buffer tanks are engineered to:
Maximize Efficiency: 50mm polyurethane foam insulation reduces standby heat loss to <2°C/day, minimizing heat pump cycling
Extend Lifespan: SUS304/316L steel resists corrosion and scaling, outperforming copper tanks by 2x in hard water areas
Simplify Integration: Pre-installed 28mm/32mm heat exchanger ports fit Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Vaillant systems—no custom welding required
Case Study: A London contractor reduced installation time by 40% using SST’s pre-plumbed 500L tank with a hybrid air-source heat pump.
3. Why UK Contractors Choose SST
Cost Savings: Reduce labour time by 30% with pre-configured kits (WRAS/CE-certified valves and thermostats)
Scalability: Stackable 250–5000L tanks for large commercial projects.
Warranty: 10-year coverage on tank body and welds.
Pro Tip: Pair SST tanks with Boiler Upgrade Scheme-eligible heat pumps for £7,500 grants