Dimplex air-source heat pumps perform well in field tests
Dimplex reports that field tests of its A-Class air-source heat pump have seen it consistently outperform the ‘Heat emitter guide for domestic heat pumps’ prepared by various industry associations. The company worked with key installer partners to install12 A-Class systems in readiness for last winter’s heating season. The installations were monitored remotely and their performance assessed.
Early analysis shows that the seasonal performance factor (SPF) of all 12 installations exceeded the figure that would have been expected under the same conditions according to the ‘Heat emitter guide’ — some by as much as a third.
An SPF of 4.21 was calculated for one installation, a self-build project with underfloor heating throughout; the SPF was 0.81 higher than the guide.
On another site with conventional radiators at 55°C flow temperature, the SPF was 3.17 (2.4 from the guide).
Clive MacVeigh, renewables marketing director at Dimplex, explains, ‘The test sites were purposely chosen to give a good spread of locations from Inverness to Southampton and a variety of system specifications. We have tested A-Class with underfloor heating, radiators and Dimplex SmartRad in retrofit and new-build projects and seen outstanding results across the board.’
The A-Class heat pump is initially available in 12 and 16kW models suitable for large domestic properties.