How Do Heat Pumps Work? A Complete Guide by SST Water Tanks
Your Trusted Partner in Heat Pump Water Tank Solutions
At SST Water Tanks, we specialize in designing Stainless Steel Water Tanks that perfectly integrate with heat pump systems. Whether you’re upgrading your home heating or planning a commercial project, understanding how heat pumps work and their synergy with water tanks is key to maximizing efficiency. Let’s explore the science behind heat pumps and how SST tanks enhance their performance.
1. Heat Pump Basics: The Magic of Energy Transfer
A heat pump doesn’t generate heat—it moves heat from one place to another using refrigeration cycles. Think of it as a “thermal” that harvests renewable energy from air, ground, or water. Here’s how it works
a.Evaporation: The refrigerant absorbs ambient heat (even in cold air!) at the evaporator coil, turning into gas.
b.Compression: The compressor squeezes the gas, raising its temperature to 60–80°C.
c.Condensation: Hot refrigerant flows to the condenser, transferring heat to your SST water tank.
d.Expansion: The refrigerant cools via an expansion valve, restarting the cycle.
Why it’s efficient: For every 1kW of electricity used, heat pumps deliver 3–4kW of heat—slashing energy bills by 75% compared to traditional heaters
2. Types of Heat Pumps & SST Tank Pairing
Air Source Heat Pumps
How it works: Extracts heat from outdoor air, even at -15°C.
SST solution: Our 300–500L insulated tanks buffer heat for consistent supply during peak demand.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
How it works: Uses stable geothermal energy via underground loops.
SST solution: 1000L+ commercial-grade tanks with titanium heat exchangers for large-scale projects.
Hybrid Systems
Pair heat pumps with solar thermal panels. SST tanks include dual coil ports for multi-source integration.
Image suggestion: Comparison table of heat pump types with recommended SST tank capacities.
3. Why Water Tanks Matter in Heat Pump Systems
A high-quality water tank is the heart of your heat pump system. SST’s engineered tanks ensure:
Rapid heat transfer: 0.8mm SUS304 stainless steel resists scaling, maintaining 95% thermal efficiency for 15+ years
Smart insulation: 50mm polyurethane foam reduces standby heat loss to <2°C/day—critical for heat pumps’ low-temperature operation
Pressure compatibility: Unvented tanks handle 3–6 bar mains pressure, ideal for modern heat pump setups
4.Choosing the Right Tank: Key Factors, which SST Already had
Capacity
Households: 200–300L (supports 3–4 showers/day).
Commercial: 500–2000L (SST offers modular stacking designs).
Material
SUS304/316L stainless steel: Corrosion-free, ideal for hard water areas.
Copper coils: Optional for antimicrobial properties (e.g., hospitals).
Certifications
Look for WRAS-approved tanks (mandatory in the UK) and CE-marked safety valves.
5. Installation & Maintenance Tips
Location: Install tanks indoors or in insulated outdoor enclosures to prevent freezing.
Annual checks: Inspect anode rods (for steel tanks) and flush heat exchangers.
Pro tip: SST’s smart thermostat (sold separately) optimizes heat pump cycles based on usage patterns.
Why Choose SST Water Tanks?
Heat pump-ready: Pre-installed 28mm heat exchanger ports, compatible with Daikin, Vaillant, and Mitsubishi systems.
Energy Star certified: Achieve 20% faster ROI with our A++ rated tanks.
10-year warranty: Covers tank body, insulation, and welds.
Boost Your System’s Efficiency Today!
Featured keywords: heat pump efficiency, air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, heat pump installation costs, heat pump water heater, best heat pump tanks, stainless steel water tank, unvented cylinder, thermal storage.
Need a custom solution? Call our sales at +86 187 740 3820.