When a fixed output heat pump supplies a highly zoned heating or cooling distribution system, a buffer tank is typically used to prevent the heat pump from short-cycling under very low load conditions.
The fourth edition of "Modern Hydronic Heating & Cooling, for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings" will be available through major booksellers on April 1.
With a considerable volume of contradictory information in circulation regarding the application of different technologies for HVAC systems, this article seeks to explain some of the technical aspects of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, and offer comparisons on the basis of cost and performance to more standard hydronic systems.
Whether designing a residential or commercial system, there are several lessons to be learned from Siegenthaler, a.k.a. “Siggy,” including thermal considerations, piping, heat pump technologies, panel radiators, slab heating, controls and ECM circulators in order to provide the ultimate goals: Comfort, high efficiency and a happy customer.