2

Contents
Introduction Heat pump project design example
The purpose of the eBook 4 Step 1 - Floor plan 41
You can trust us 5
Step 2 - Heat pump location 42

Step 3 - Recirculation pump location 42

Heat pump systems Step 4 - Domestic hot water
cylinder location 43
A brief history of heat pumps 7
Step 5 - Buffer tank location 44
Different types of heat pumps 7
Step 6 - Feed and return
The bene昀椀ts of heat pumps 9
pipe locations 45
The consequences of poor
Step 7 - Heat emitter locations 46
heat pump design 10
Step 8 - Diverter valve location 47

Step 9 - Calculate 48
Heat pump designs & calculations
Heat emitters 13
Feed and return pipes 14 Get started with the right software

Heat pump 14
Buffer tank (volumiser) 15 Apendix & Bibliography
Domestic hot water cylinder 16
Pipe Volume 53
Diverter valve 17
Velocity 57
Recirculation pumps 18
Pressure Drop 59

Heat loss 61
Heat pump system calculations
Design Checklist 64
Heat emitter 19
Bibliography 66
Feed and return pipes 25
Domestic hot water cylinder 31
Diverter valve 33
Heat pump 34
Buffer tank (volumiser) 35
Recirculation pumps 38
 3

Everything you need

to know about heat pumps
Best Practices, Calculation
Methodologies and Example Designs

Almost every country in the world uses • US has introduced a bill to the
fossil fuels, which now account for senate to amend the Internal
around 80% of global energy.1 Revenue Code to establish a
However, a recent survey suggested refundable tax credit for the
most countries now see climate installation of air source heat
change as a major threat to their pumps.3
nation. 2
• EU have set the ambitious goal
of having 50 million heat pumps
This increased focus on the
installed by 2030, equating to annual
environment has resulted in new
growth of 16%.4
legislation that aims to combat the
impact of climate change. Whilst there • UK has introduced grants for heat
has been debate in recent years about pump installations as part of their
whether heat pumps or hydrogen gas legally binding net-zero targets.5
are the best way to proceed, studies
have concluded that heat pumps are
the better option.

As a result, we have seen the

introduction of new targets for heat
pump installations from governments
across the world, including:
 4

Unfortunately, even with this

increased focus on heat pumps,
current installations are not
consistently meeting the required
standards. In fact, poor installations
based on poor designs appear to
be preventing the popularity of
heat pumps from spreading via
word of mouth.

As a result, engineers need to

ensure they are equipped with the
tools and knowledge required to
produce correct designs that lead to
successful installations.

The purpose of the eBook

In this eBook, we’re going to delve
into the world of heat pumps.
Our focus here is to provide the
knowledge and expertise engineers
need to produce high-quality
heat pump designs that result in
successful installations.

This will require:

• Looking at how heat pump

technology works

• The bene昀椀ts heat pumps can

provide

• Best practices for designing and

calculating each component in a
heat pump system
 5

You can trust us

At H2X, we’re pioneers of software Our design software is already
that revolutionises traditional helping engineers improve outcomes.
design processes for engineers.
We understand that both the
complex calculations and the
traditional design process are
often inef昀椀cient and can lead to
errors.
 
7+ 5,000+
Before we look at how our solution Countries Projects
ensures accurate heat pump
designs, let’s start by going back
to the beginning and considering
what heat pumps are and how
the technology has evolved.
 6

Heat pump systems

Heat pumps are devices designed to move heat from
one place to another. Whilst they are primarily used for
heating, they can also be deployed for ventilation and air
conditioning (HVAC).

The process of moving heat from

one place to the other is carried out
with the help of a compressor and
circulating a structure of liquid or gas
refrigerant, with heat extracted from
outside sources and pumped indoors.

This process is much more ef昀椀cient

than using a furnace, which generates
the hot temperature rather than
transferring it. As a result, heat pumps
can signi昀椀cantly reduce energy bills.

Did you know: Even in

below-freezing temperatures,
a heat pump can still heat a
property with more than twice
the ef昀椀ciency of gas or standard
electric heating systems.
 7

A brief history of heat pumps

The history of the heat pump stretches Today, heat pumps are found in HVAC
back to the 18th century when Scottish units worldwide, but with more modern
scientist William Cullen developed system con昀椀gurations and more
the 昀椀rst crude version of the device.6 environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Cullen designed a refrigerating
machine that utilised a pump to
Heat Pumps in Operation (UK)
create a vacuum over diethyl ether,
300,000
causing the ether to boil and absorb
heat from the surrounding air.
250,000

200,000

Using this principle, Peter von Rittinger 150,000

developed the 昀椀rst heat pump 100,000

system in 1857. It wasn’t until 1948 that 50,000

American inventor Robert C. Webber

0

昀椀rst came up with the idea of a ground 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Annual amount of heat pumps in operation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2013 to 2019 (Source Statista)

source heat pump.7

Different types of heat pumps

There are three primary types of That 昀氀uid is then circulated through
heat pumps deployed within a built a heat exchanger into the pump. This
environment, with each type classi昀椀ed then warms up the air or water needed
according to its primary source of for heating or cooling purposes inside
energy. Let’s take a look at these the property.
different types in detail.
Air-source heat pumps are the most
Air-source heat pumps prevalent type of domestic heat pump.
Air-source heat pumps absorb energy Between 2012-2022, approximately
from the surrounding air, compress it 47,000 air-source heat pumps have
and use it to heat a 昀氀uid. been installed in private and social
housing in the UK.8
 8

Ground-source heat pumps Water-source heat pumps

Ground-source heat pumps use Water-source heat pumps work
the earth’s constant temperature to similarly to ground-source heat
provide heating for a building. The pumps, but instead of the ground, they
system consists of a ground loop, a utilise the water from lakes and rivers
pump, a compressor, and a control as the heat source.
system.
Like ground-source heat pumps,
The ground loop is a pipe that’s water-source heat pumps use a
buried in the ground. The pump then refrigerant to absorb heat from the
circulates a refrigerant — a mixture surrounding water. This is then turned
of water and antifreeze — through into useful heat by compressing the
the ground loop. The compressor working 昀氀uid so it can give the heat off
compresses the refrigerant and sends at a much higher temperature.
it to the control system. The control
system regulates the temperature of Water-source heat pumps need a
the building by sending the refrigerant considerable quantity of water in
to either the heating or cooling coil in order to function effectively, making
the air handler. them a more niche renewable energy
technology compared to air-source
Ground-source heat pumps are more and ground-source heat pumps.
ef昀椀cient than air-source heat pumps,
however, they are more expensive and
time-consuming to install.
 9

The bene昀椀ts of heat pumps

Each of the different variations of heat
pump bring with them signi昀椀cant
bene昀椀ts following successful
installation. As a result, we are seeing
an increase in installations and
government targets across the globe.

The advantages associated with

effective heat pump installation
include, but are not limited to:

Carbon footprints: Ef昀椀cient energy use: Increased safety:

Although heat pumps Heat pumps are Heat pumps are
use electricity and are highly ef昀椀cient, so far generally a much
therefore not entirely less energy is used safer option than
carbon-free, they to produce hot water traditional heating
produce much less and heating for a systems which are
than gas boilers. property. based on combustion.

Maintenance: Improved reliability: Multi-purpose usage:

Heat pumps need Heat pumps are an During warm periods,
less maintenance incredibly reliable and heat pumps can
than traditional gas long-term source of reverse their primary
combustion heating heat, with a lifespan of purpose and switch to
systems. up to 25 years. cooling mode, acting
as an air conditioner.

Even with these bene昀椀ts in mind, it’s important to recognise that there are still
a number of design and installation challenges that will have to be overcome
before these bene昀椀ts can be realised.
 10

The consequences of
poor heat pump design
Poor heat pump designs will inevitably
result in poor installations, leading to
unhappy and dissatis昀椀ed customers
in most instances. When this
happens, engineers will be required
to spend time investigating issues
and undertaking costly reworkings
of the system. This not only harms
pro昀椀t margins, but can also lead to
reputational damage that makes it
dif昀椀cult to win business moving forward.

Remember, nearly all the problems

associated with a heat pump
system can be linked back to errors
in the design, and issues often arise
when pumps are either oversized or
undersized.

An oversized heat pump will: An undersized heat pump will:

• Cycle on and off more • Not be capable of heating

frequently, which can cause the space to the desired
damage to the motor temperature

• Cycle between being too • Take longer to heat if it does

hot and too cold more often, succeed in heating the space
which makes maintaining a
• Increase the use of electricity,
comfortable temperature
defeating the purpose of
more dif昀椀cult
installation
• Use more electricity, cause
• Cause mechanical problems
higher energy bills and
as the pump has to work
make the heat pump more
harder than necessary
sustainable
• Have a shorter lifespan
• Be more expensive and noisier
 11

In addition to this, if pipework that is Unfortunately, all these

too small is included within the design,
the velocity will be higher than 1m/s
design problems are often
— the maximum recommended by exacerbated by a massive
MCS and CIBSE. This will damage the skills shortage among
pipes and can result in a void warranty
from the pipe manufacturer.
engineers when it comes to
heat pumps.
High velocity causes more noise in the
system, which is obviously undesirable.
It will also create high amounts of
pressure loss, which means the
recirculation pump may not work
effectively.
 12

Heat pump designs

& calculations
Before a successful heat pump installation can take place,
engineers need to undertake effective and accurate designs and
calculations for each component of the system.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the design considerations and

the calculation methodology for each component of a heat pump
system.
 13

Heat emitters
A heat emitter is any component that is used to emit heat to a building space.
Heat emitters can take many different forms, the most common are:

Radiators

Radiators are traditionally common,

cheap and easy to install. However,
their operational costs can exceed
other heat emitters as they are less
ef昀椀cient at heating up spaces within
the building.

They are usually located in the coldest

part of the room i.e. below
the windows.

Radiators are not as effective with

Under昀氀oor heating
heat pump systems as they are with
traditional gas boiler systems. This is Although they are less common, more
because their surface area suits higher expensive and dif昀椀cult to install, they
water temperatures (~70°C) that have lower operational costs due to
traditional gas boilers operate at. With their higher ef昀椀ciency and provide
heat pump systems, because their better comfort for the occupants.
water circulates at lower temperatures
(~40°C), radiators often need to be The manifolds for under昀氀oor heating
signi昀椀cantly larger with larger pipework are generally located central to the
supplying them so their surface area zone they are supplying to ensure
can heat the space to the desired optimised performance. It also needs
temperature. to be accessible but in a location that
is out of view as it is not aesthetic.

Under昀氀oor heating is more suited to

heat pump systems than radiators
due to their large surface area which
is great for emitting and maintaining
temperatures that are within the heat
pump’s range.
 14

Feed and return pipes

Hot water is supplied from the heat
source to each heating element
through a pipe network. This pipe
network comprises two separate
systems:

• Feed pipes that supply water from Heat pump

the heat source to the heat emitters
The heat pump is a critical piece of the
• Return pipes that circulate the
system as it is the heat source for the
water back to the heat source to be
building.
reheated

It is important to locate the heat pump

Feed and return generally run parallel,
in the best position possible. The
making them easy to install. They
main considerations for choosing the
should also be routed in the most
location are:
ef昀椀cient manner possible as this
helps to use less materials and avoids
• As close to the rest of the system
any extra heat loss and friction loss
as possible to prevent unnecessary
through the pipes.
pipe runs

• Keeping it out of view of entrances

and windows as they are not
aesthetic

• Avoiding areas where building

occupants will spend time as the
noise could be a nuisance - MCS
limit the noise to 42.0 dB(A)

• Locating it in a shady area to avoid

overheating during the summer
months

• Avoiding areas where there is the

possibility for it to be damaged by
objects like falling branches

• Locating it in an area that has good

air昀氀ow and room for maintenance
 15

Buffer tank (volumiser)

A buffer tank (also known as a When deciding on the buffer tank’s
volumiser) stores water to increase the location, the main considerations are:
total system water volume and in turn
• As close to the rest of the system
reduce the cycling of a heat pump.
as possible to prevent unnecessary
pipe runs
The buffer tank is only required if
the heat pump is going to cycle too • Locating it in an area that has room
frequently. The additional hot water for maintenance
storage the buffer tank provides
reduces the heat pump’s on/off • Keeping it out of view of entrances
switching which in-turn reduces and windows as they are not
energy consumption of the heat aesthetic
pump.
• Locating it in an area where a leak
would not be catastrophic
These are generally located in the
garage, basement or attic.
They can also be located outside if
they have suf昀椀cient insulation.
 16

Domestic
hot water cylinder
A domestic hot water cylinder is used
to store hot water for domestic use
such as showers and sinks.

The hot water generated by the heat

pump should not be used for domestic
purposes; however, the hot water can
be used to increase the temperature
of the cylinder’s incoming domestic
cold water. This is often supplemented
with an electrical immersion heater to
increase the temperature to 60°C+.

The cylinder is generally located in the

garage, basement or attic. They can
also be located outside if they have
suf昀椀cient insulation.

When deciding on the cylinder’s

location, the main considerations are:

• As close to the rest of the system

as possible to prevent unnecessary
pipe runs

• Locating it in an area where

electricity is relatively easy to
connect

• Keeping it out of view of entrances

and windows as they are not
aesthetic

• Locating it in an area that has room

for maintenance

• Locating it in an area where a leak

would not be catastrophic
 17

Diverter valve
Diverter valves are located on the Without the diverter valve, the
tee where the system splits off to the heat pump would be sized for the
domestic hot water cylinder and the combined load of the heating system
heat emitters. and the domestic hot water cylinder
which would be overkill.
The diverter valve works by opening
and closing to direct heated water It is important to ensure there are
to either the heating system or the no heat emitters between the heat
domestic hot water cylinder. pump and diverter valve so it
The valve chooses the domestic performs correctly.
hot water cylinder as the priority.
 18

Recirculation pumps
Recirculation pumps are required to do two things:

1 Circulate the water through 2 Provide enough pressure for the

the pipes fast enough to ensure water to circulate at the
the temperature of the water required 昀氀ow rate
does not fall below the
chosen Delta T

The smaller the Delta T, the higher the

昀氀ow rate. This is because the pump
needs to move the water faster so
it isn’t exposed to the cold surfaces
of the pipes and heat emitters for
as long, thus not losing as much
temperature as it would if it moved
slower.

Generally, the faster the water is

昀氀owing, the higher velocity and
pressure drop there will be too.

The recirculation pump is best located

adjacent to the actual heat pump.

They are commonly installed on the

heat pump’s feed or return side.
As the temperature is cooler on the
return side, some industry experts
argue that it’s the better location as it
extends its life.
 19

Heat pump
system calculations
In this section, we’re going to look at the calculations
required to accurately size each component so the
system operates ef昀椀ciently.

Disclaimer: Not ALL design considerations are included within this eBook as requirements for
each building vary. Please contact [email protected] for any further questions or queries.

Heat emitter
To size the heat emitter, you need to
determine the heat loss through each
part of the building. To do this, you
need to know:

• The dimensions of each wall, 昀氀oor,

ceiling, door, and window

• The U-values of each wall, 昀氀oor,

ceiling, door, and window

• The desired internal temperature

and the average lowest external
temperature

• How many hourly air changes

there will be

Refer to Appendix (52pg) for reference

material relating to heat loss
calculations.
 20

1. Temperature Differential (Delta T)

The difference between the desired internal temperature
and the average lowest external temperature.

Desired internal temperature (21°C) - Average lowest external temperature

(-1.8°C) = Delta T of 22.8°C

2. Surface Areas
The area of each wall, 昀氀oor, ceiling,
Floor
door, and window in the room.
5m x 6m = 30m²

Ceiling

5m x 6m = 30m²

Doors

2m x 0.8m = 1.6m²

2m x 0.8m = 1.6m²

Windows

1.6m x 0.5m = 0.8m²

1.6m x 0.5m = 0.8m²

1.6m x 0.5m = 0.8m²

1.6m x 0.5m = 0.8m²

Walls

5m x 3m = 13.4m² (minus 1 door)

5m x 3m = 13.4m² (minus 1 door)

6m x 3m = 16.4m² (minus 2 windows)

6m x 3m = 16.4m² (minus 2 windows)

 21

3. U-Values
The thermal resistance of each
building element.

Floor

Concrete = 1.35 W/m²K

Ceiling

Clay Tiles = 1.00 W/m²K

Doors

Solid Wood Door = 3.00 W/m²K

Windows

Metal Double Glazed = 3.40 W/m²K

Walls

Cavity Wall (Mineral Wool)

= 0.56 W/m²K
 22

4. Surface Heat Loss

Surface Heat Loss = Area (m²) x U-Value (W/m²K) x Delta T (°C)

Floor

30m² x 1.35 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 923W

Ceiling

30m² x 1.00 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 684W

Doors

1.6m² x 3.00 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 109W

1.6m² x 3.00 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 109W

Windows

0.8m² x 3.40 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 62W

0.8m² x 3.40 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 62W

0.8m² x 3.40 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 62W

0.8m² x 3.40 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 62W

Walls

13.4m² x 0.56 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 171W

13.4m² x 0.56 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 171W

16.4m² x 0.56 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 209W

16.4m² x 0.56 W/m²K x 22.8°C = 209W

Total Surface Heat Loss = 2833W / 2.833kW

 23

5. Air Change Heat Loss

Air Change Heat Loss =

Room Volume (m³) x Hourly Air Changes x Delta T (°C) x 0.33

Room Volume Delta T

90m³ (30m² x 3m Height) 22.8°C

Hourly Air Changes Total Air Change Heat Loss =

677W / 0.677kW
1
 24

6. Total Heat Loss

Total Heat Loss =

Surface Heat Loss + Air Change Heat Loss

Total Surface Heat Loss

2833W / 2.833kW

Total Air Change Heat Loss

677W / 0.677kW

Total Heat Loss = 3510W / 3.51kW

7. Heat Emitter Size

The heat emitter(s) in that

space needs to be able to
generate 3510W / 3.51kW.
 25

Feed and return pipes

It is commonly stated throughout
the industry that heat pumps require
28mm pipes. This is a myth, is
misleading, and should be avoided.

The “28mm pipe” emerges from the

understanding that heat pumps
require larger 昀氀ow rates than gas
boilers. So where a gas boiler system
would typically need a 15mm or 22mm
pipe, people are using rule of thumb
to ‘guesstimate’ that 28mm should be
appropriate for heat pumps.

For a pipe to be 28mm, it needs to be

accurately sized as described below.

Firstly, you need to know:

• The load of the heat emitters

connected to each pipe

• The Delta T of the feed and return

temperatures

• The pipe material and its technical

properties

• The maximum design velocity

• The maximum allowable pressure

drop per metre

Refer to Appendix 52 for reference

material relating to heat loss
calculations.
 26

Example:

1. Heat Emitters
Connected to the Pipe

Heat Emitter 1

3kW

Heat Emitter 2

2kW

Total Load = 5kW

2. Delta T
The difference between the
temperature on the feed and
return pipes.

Heat pumps are recommended to

operate around 40°C with a Delta T of
around 5°C.

Feed temperature (40°C)

- Return temperature (35°C)
= Delta T of 5°C
 27

3. Pipe Flow Rate

Convert the heat load to a 昀氀ow rate.

Flow Rate (L/s) = Heat Load (kW) /

(Delta T (°C) * Speci昀椀c Heat
Capacity of Water (kJ))

Heat Load

5kW

Delta T

5°C

Speci昀椀c Heat Capacity of Water

4.18kJ

Flow Rate

5kW / (5°C x 4.18kJ)

0.24L/s

The 昀氀ow rate should also consider

the heat lost through the pipes. This is
very dif昀椀cult to calculate and could be
an ebook in itself, so for simplicity, we
are adding a factor of 10% to the heat
emitter load.

Flow Rate

0.24 L/s + 10%

0.264 L/s
 28

4. Pipe Properties
For the pipe material, the main piece
of technical information you need to
know is the internal diameter.

It is important you use the internal

diameter rather than the nominal or
external diameter otherwise the results
will be incorrect.

For example, the internal diameter of

copper pipes is:

15mm

13.6mm internal diameter

22mm

20.2mm internal diameter

28mm

26.2mm internal diameter

35mm

32.6mm internal diameter

42mm

39.6mm internal diameter

54mm

51.6mm internal diameter

67mm

64.3mm internal diameter

 29

5. Pipe Sizing
Based on Velocity
A common method for pipe sizing
is to ensure your 昀氀ow rate is below
a maximum velocity. The maximum
velocity is generally limited to 1m/s.

Velocity (m/s) =
(Flow Rate (L/s) / 1000) / ((3.14 *
(Internal Pipe Diameter (mm)/2)
^2) / 100000

The results for 0.264L/s going through each copper pipe are shown below:

15mm = 13.6mm internal diameter = 1.82m/s

22mm = 20.2mm internal diameter = 0.82m/s

28mm = 26.2mm internal diameter = 0.49m/s

35mm = 32.6mm internal diameter = 0.32m/s

42mm = 39.6mm internal diameter = 0.21m/s

54mm = 51.6mm internal diameter = 0.13m/s

67mm = 64.3mm internal diameter = 0.08m/s

Based on a 昀氀ow rate of 0.264L/s, the 22mm pipe (and larger pipes) have a
velocity below 1m/s.
 30

6. Pipe Sizing Based

on Pressure Drop
CIBSE recommends a maximum
pressure drop of 350Pa/m.

So although the pipe velocity is below

1m/s, the velocity could still cause
pressure drops that are too high for
the recirculation pump to overcome.

Therefore it is important to know the

pressure drop through the pipe by
doing the pressure drop calculation.

(Friction Factor x (Pipe Length (m)

/ Pipe Diameter (m)) x (Velocity
(m/s)^2 / 19.62)) x 9084

Pressure drop in 22mm pipe 0.264L/s in a 22mm pipe has a

pressure drop of 426Pa/m
0.0274 x (1m / 0.0202m) x (0.82m/s / which exceeds CIBSE’s
19.62) x 9084 recommendation of 350Pa/m.

426Pa/m
Whereas in a 28mm pipe, the pressure
drop is 124Pa/metre.

Pressure drop in 28mm

0.0292 x (1m / 0.0262m) x (0.49m/s /

19.62) x 9084

124Pa/m

Therefore, based on the system design,

velocity considerations, and pressure
drop considerations, this pipe needs to
be 28mm.
 31

Domestic hot
water cylinder
As this ebook is not going into
the details of sizing domestic
water systems, we shall use the
MCS guidance that the domestic
hot water cylinder should store
45L per building occupant.

Example:

1. Domestic Hot
Water Cylinder Size

Storage (L)

Number of Occupants * 45L

2 x 45L

Storage

90L
 32

2. Domestic Hot Water

Cylinder Heat Load

Heat Load (kW) = (Speci昀椀c Heat

Capacity (kJ) * Storage (L) * Delta
T (°C)) / 3600

Speci昀椀c Heat Capacity

4.18kJ

Storage

90L

Delta T

34°C (Cold Water = 4°C, Heating

Water = ~38°C)

Heat Load

(4.18kJ * 90L * 34°C) / 3600

3.55kW
 33

Diverter valve
The diverter valve is sized based on the
three pipes that connect to it.

Domestic Hot Water Outlet

The pipe is sized based on the total

domestic hot water heat load

Domestic hot water heat load

= 3.55kW / 0.17L/s

Heating System Outlet

The pipe is sized based on the total

heating system heat load.

Heating system heat load = 11kW /

0.53L/s

Inlet from Heat Pump

The pipe coming from the heat

pump is sized for only the larger of
the two outlet heat loads.

As the heating system has a higher

heat load than the domestic hot
water system, the inlet pipe size to
the diverter valve is sized at
11kW / 0.53L/s.
 34

Heat pump
The heat pump needs to be sized to
match, as closely as possible, the heat
load through the system.

Example:
1. Heat Emitter Heat Load

Heat Emitter 1 = 3kW

Heat Emitter 2 = 1kW

Heat Emitter 3 = 2.5kW

Heat Emitter 4 = 1.5kW

Heat Emitter 5 = 2kW

Total Heat Emitter Heat Load = 10kW

2. Pipe Heat Load

Total Pipe Heat Load = 1kW

3. Heat Pump Size

The heat pump(s) for the building

needs to be able to generate 11kW.
 35

Buffer tank (volumiser)

To determine whether you need a
buffer tank, you need to know the
following:

• The heat pump load = 11kW

• The maximum heat pump starts

recommended per hour = 6

• The speci昀椀c heat capacity of the

water = 4.18kJ

• The Delta T = 5°C

Example

1. Heat Energy Required

Heat Energy (kJ) = Heat Pump Load (kW) x (60 (minutes) / number of hourly
starts) x 60 seconds

Heat Energy (kJ) = 11 kW x (60/6) x 60 seconds

Heat Energy = 6,600kJ

2. Mass of Water Required

Mass of Water (kg) = Heat Energy (kJ) / (Speci昀椀c Heat Capacity (kJ) x Delta T
(°C))

Mass of Water (kg) = 6,600 kJ / (4.18 kJ x 5°C)

Mass of Water = 315.8 kg

3. Minimum System Volume Required

1kg of water is approximately equal to 1L of water.

Therefore, the system needs to have a total volume of 315.8L to avoid

a buffer tank.
 36

4. Calculating the System Volume

The following components of your system contribute to the system volume:

• Heat Emitters

• Pipes

• Domestic Hot Water Cylinder Coil

Heat Emitters
It is best to check the technical data from the manufacturer to get the exact
volume.

However, for this example we will use:

Radiators = 11L / kW
Under昀氀oor Heating = 23L / kW

Therefore, the system volume in this example is:

Radiators = 44L (4 kW x 11L)

Under昀氀oor Heating = 138L (6 kW x 23L)

Total Heat Emitter Volume = 182L

Pipes
Using the area of the pipe, we will calculate the volume across its length.

Pipe Volume (L) = Pipe Length (m) x (Pipe Radius² (mm) / 1000) x 3.14

To calculate this, we will need to know the length of each pipe size.

25m x 0.266 (35mm pipe) x 3.14 = 20.88L

22m x 0.172 (28mm pipe) x 3.14 = 11.88L
38m x 0.102 (22mm pipe) x 3.14 = 12.17L
62m x 0.046 (15mm pipe) x 3.14 = 9L

Total Pipe Volume = 53.93L

 37

4. (Continuation)

Domestic Hot Water Cylinder Coil

Again, it is best to check the technical data from the manufacturer.

However, for this example we will assume there is 10m of 22mm pipe in the
domestic hot water cylinder coil.

10m x 0.102 (22mm pipe) x 3.14 = 3.20L

Total System Volume

Heat Emitters = 182L

Pipes = 53.93L
Domestic Hot Water Cylinder Coil = 3.20L

Total System Volume = 239.13L

5. System Volume

The heat pump required a minimum system volume of 315.8L to prevent it from
cycling on/off too frequently.

The total system volume is 239.13L.

Therefore, we need to add a buffer tank to the system,

The buffer tank shall be a minimum of 76.67L (315.8L - 239.13L).

 38

Recirculation pumps
There are two parts to de昀椀ning the
recirculation pump duty:

1. The 昀氀ow rate of the system

2. The pressure drop through the index

circuit, generally the furthest circuit
from the heat pump*

*It is important that you do not

cumulate the pressure drop
through every part of the heating
system. The pressure only needs
to overcome the circuit with the
most pressure drop (the index
circuit) and that will ensure there
is enough pressure to overcome
all of the other circuits.

Example

1. Pump Flow Rate

This matches the 昀氀ow rate

that you size the heat pump
for = 11 kW / 0.53 L/sec
 39

2. Pump Pressure Drop

The index circuit has pressure drop

through the following:

Pipes:
The pressure drop through pipes is
calculated using the below formula:

Pressure Drop (bar) = (Friction

Factor x (Pipe Length (m) / Pipe
Diameter (m)) x (Velocity (m/s)^2 Valves and Fittings:
/ 19.62)) x 9084 The pressure drop through valves and
昀椀ttings are calculated using their K
(also known as Zeta) values. Again,
25m x 35mm pipe = 3345Pa
it is best to check the technical data
22m x 28mm pipe = 4455Pa from the manufacturer for the valve/
昀椀tting K value.
18m x 22mm pipe = 4716Pa

15m x 15mm pipe = 2322Pa The pressure drop is then calculated

using the below formula:
Total Pipe Pressure Loss
= 14838Pa / 0.149bar
Pressure Drop (bar) = (K Value x
(Velocity (m/s)^2 / 19.62)) x 9084
Heat Emitters:
It is best to check the technical
data from the manufacturer for 1 x 15mm TRV = 0.74 K Value = 55Pa
the pressure drop through the heat
2 x 35mm Isolation Valve = 0.06 K
emitter.
Value = 9Pa
In this example, we will use 1000Pa per
4 x 35mm Elbow = 0.63 K Value = 184Pa
radiator.
2 x 28mm Elbow = 0.66 K Value = 98Pa
1x Radiator = 1000Pa
1 x 22mm Elbow = 0.69 K Value = 52Pa
There is also pressure drop through
the lockshield valve, this is usually 6 x 15mm Elbow = 0.75 K Value = 224Pa
10000Pa / 0.1bar on the index circuit.
Total Valve and Fitting Pressure Loss
Total Heat Emitter Pressure Loss = 622Pa / 0.00622bar
= 11000Pa / 0.11bar
 40

Total Pressure Drop

The total pressure drop through the

whole system is:

Pipes = 14838Pa
Heat Emitters = 11000Pa
Valves and Fittings = 622Pa

Total Pressure Drop

= 26460Pa / 0.26bar

Pump Duty

The recirculation pump duty is

0.53L/s @ 0.26bar.
 41

Heat pump
project design example
The ongoing engineering skills That’s why below we’re going to run
shortage has the potential to scupper through a detailed, step-by-step
ambitious government targets. As a example of how to put together a
result, engineers need solutions that design for a heat pump system using
help them to design heating systems H2X’s design software.
easily, quickly and accurately.

Let’s dive straight into step 1.

Step 1
Floor plan
At the very outset of the design
process, engineers need to obtain the
PDF 昀氀oor plan for the building which
they are designing the heat pump
system for.

The example we will be working

through is shown on the right:
 42

Step 2
Heat pump location
The next step is choosing where to • Locating it in a shady area to avoid
locate the heat pump. overheating during the summer
months
As described earlier, the main
considerations for choosing the • Avoiding areas where there is the
location are: possibility for it to be damaged by
objects like falling branches
• As close to the rest of the system
as possible to prevent unnecessary • Locating it in an area that has good
pipe runs air昀氀ow and room for maintenance

• Keeping it out of view of entrances In the example, we have located the

and windows as they are not heat pump towards the back of the
aesthetic house where it meets all of the above
criteria.
• Avoiding areas where building
occupants will spend time as the
noise could be a nuisance - MCS
limits the noise to 42.0 dB(A).

Step 3
Recirculation pump
location

As described earlier, the best

location for the recirculation pump
is adjacent to the heat pump.

In the example, we will locate it on

the return side of the heat pump.
 43

Step 4
Domestic hot water
cylinder location
The next step is choosing where to • Keeping it out of view of entrances
locate the domestic hot water cylinder and windows as they are not
aesthetic
As described earlier, the main
• Locating it in an area that has room
considerations for choosing the
for maintenance
location are:
• Locating it in an area where a leak
• As close to the rest of the system
would not be catastrophic
as possible to prevent unnecessary
pipe runs In this example, we have chosen the
location to be within the store room
• Locating it in an area where
adjacent to the air source heat pump.
electricity is relatively easy to
connect
 44

Step 5
Buffer tank location
The next step is choosing where to • Keeping it out of view of entrances
locate the buffer tank. and windows as they are not
aesthetic
As described earlier, the main
considerations for choosing the • Locating it in an area where a leak
location are: would not be catastrophic

• As close to the rest of the system In this example, we do not know if

as possible to prevent unnecessary we need one until we have done
pipe runs the calculations, so we will allow
provisional space for it adjacent to the
• Locating it in an area that has room
domestic hot water cylinder.
for maintenance
 45

Step 6
Feed and return
pipe locations
As described earlier, the feed and
return pipes should run in parallel and
in the most ef昀椀cient manner possible.
This will use less materials in the
design and avoid any extra heat loss
and friction loss through the pipes.

In this example, the heat emitters

will be located around the perimeter,
so that’s where the pipes will be
located too.
 46

Step 7
Heat emitter locations
The heat emitters within this building
will be a mix of radiators (in small
spaces) and under昀氀oor heating
manifolds (in large spaces).

In this example, the radiators are

located around the perimeter of
the building (below windows where
possible) and the under昀氀oor heating
manifolds are located central to the
zone they are supplying.
 47

Step 8
Diverter valve location
The diverter valve is located on the
tee where the system splits off to the
domestic hot water cylinder and the
heat emitters.

Remember, it is important to ensure

there are no heat emitters between
the air source heat pump and diverter
valve to ensure correct performance.
 48

Step 9
Calculate
As you click ‘Results’, using your design
parameters (pipe material, kW ratings,
maximum velocity, Delta T, etc.), H2X
will automate all of the complex
calculations involved in heat pump
systems. This includes but is not limited
to:

Feed &
return pipes
 49

Heat pump size

Heat load: 22.06kw

Recirculation pump size

Recirculation Pump Duty:

0.57L/s @ 0.63bar
 50

Get started with

the right software
To ensure consistently excellent heat pump
installations, engineering teams need to identify
solutions that allow them to produce heat pump
system designs that provide:


Accuracy

Simplicity


Quality

Ef昀椀ciency

At H2X, that’s exactly what we created our

cutting-edge software to do.
 51

How h2x can help

Founded by engineers frustrated with inef昀椀cient
design processes, at its core H2X is an innovative tool
that can reduce design time by as much as 72%.

Automated Calculations: With H2X, engineers

can simply set calculation parameters, draw
the layout of their design and all of the required
calculations are automated in seconds.

In addition to that, by using H2X to undertake their

heat pump designs, engineers can bene昀椀t from:

PDF exports: Export your system layout and

results to a professional PDF set that comes
with a cover sheet and title block.

An automated bill of materials: Download

an accurate bill of materials that includes all
of the pipes, valves, 昀椀ttings, and equipment
that have been designed and calculated.
Keep track of cost changes from evolving
architectural designs, including estimated
costs and bills of material split up by level
and by the system.

If you’re ready to see for yourself how H2X can help

you and your team produce high-quality heat pump
designs, book a demo with us today before starting
a free trial.
 52

Appendix & Bibliograpy

Pipe Volume 53 Heat loss 61
Velocity 57 Design Checklist 64
Pressure Drop 59 Bibliography 66
 53

Pipe Volume
 54
Copper Pipe
Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Volume (L) Per Metre

15 13.6 0.145

22 20.2 0.321

28 26.2 0.539

35 32.6 0.835

42 39.6 1.232

54 51.6 2.091

67 64.3 3.248

76 73 4.186

108 105 8.660

133 130 13.275

159 134 14.104

PEX Pipe
Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Volume (L) Per Metre

16 12 0.113

20 15.5 0.189

25 20 0.314

32 26 0.531

40 32 0.804

50 41 1.320

63 51 2.043

Stainless Steel Pipe

Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Volume (L) Per Metre

15 16.1v 0.204

20 21.7 0.370

25 27.3 0.585

32 36 1.018

40 41.9 1.379

50 53.1 2.215

65 68.9 3.729

80 80.9 5.141

100 114.9 10.370

MLCP Pipe
Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Volume (L) Per Metre

16 12 0.113

20 15.5 0.189

25 20 0.314

32 26 0.531

40 32 0.804

50 41 1.320

63 51 2.043
 55

Pipe Area
 56
Copper Pipe

Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Area (mm²)

15 13.6 145.3

22 20.2 320.5

28 26.2 539.2

35 32.6 834.8

42 39.6 1231.8

54 51.6 2091.4

67 64.3 3247.6

76 73 4185.9

108 105 8660.1

133 130 13275.0

159 134 14104.4

PEX Pipe

Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Area (mm²)

16 12 113.1

20 15.5 188.7

25 20 314.2

32 26 531.0

40 32 804.4

50 41 1320.4

63 51 2043.1

Stainless Steel Pipe

Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Area (mm²)

15 16.1 203.6

20 21.7 369.9

25 27.3 585.4

32 36 1018.0

40 41.9 1379.0

50 53.1 2214.8

65 68.9 3728.9

80 80.9 5140.9

100 114.9 10370.2

MLCP Pipe
Nominal Diameter (mm) Internal Diameter (mm) Area (mm²)

16 12 113.1

20 15.5 188.7

25 20 314.2

32 26 531.0

40 32 804.4

50 41 1320.4

63 51 2043.1
 57

Velocity
 58
Copper Pipe
Nominal Internal Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s)
Diameter Diameter @ 0.25L/s @ 0.5L/s @ 0.75L/s @ 1L/s @ 1.25L/s @ 1.5L/s
(mm) (mm)
15 13.6 1.72 3.44 5.16 6.88 8.61 10.33

22 20.2 0.78 1.56 2.34 3.12 3.90 4.68

28 26.2 0.46 0.93 1.39 1.85 2.32 2.78

35 32.6 0.30 0.60 0.90 1.20 1.50 1.80

42 39.6 0.20 0.41 0.61 0.81 1.01 1.22

54 51.6 0.12 0.24 0.36 0.48 0.60 0.72

67 64.3 0.08 0.15 0.23 0.31 0.38 0.46

76 73 0.06 0.12 0.18 0.24 0.30 0.36

108 105 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.12 0.14 0.17

133 130 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.09 0.11

159 134 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.09 0.11

PEX Pipe
Nominal Internal Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s)
Diameter Diameter @ 0.25L/s @ 0.5L/s @ 0.75L/s @ 1L/s @ 1.25L/s @ 1.5L/s
(mm) (mm)
16 12 2.21 4.42 6.63 8.84 11.05 13.26

20 15.5 1.32 2.65 3.97 5.30 6.62 7.95

25 20 0.80 1.59 2.39 3.18 3.98 4.77

32 26 0.47 0.94 1.41 1.88 2.35 2.83

40 32 0.31 0.62 0.93 1.24 1.55 1.87

50 41 0.19 0.38 0.57 0.76 0.95 1.14

63 51 0.12 0.24 0.37 0.49 0.61 0.73

Stainless Steel Pipe

Nominal Internal Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s)
Diameter Diameter @ 0.25L/s @ 0.5L/s @ 0.75L/s @ 1L/s @ 1.25L/s @ 1.5L/s
(mm) (mm)
15 16.1 1.23 2.46 3.68 4.91 6.14 7.37

20 21.7 0.68 1.35 2.03 2.70 3.38 4.06

25 27.3 0.43 0.85 1.28 1.71 2.14 2.56

32 36 0.25 0.49 0.74 0.98 1.23 1.47

40 41.9 0.18 0.36 0.54 0.73 0.91 1.09

50 53.1 0.11 0.23 0.34 0.45 0.56 0.68

65 68.9 0.07 0.13 0.20 0.27 0.34 0.40

80 80.9 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.19 0.24 0.29

100 114.9 0.02 0.05 0.07 0.10 0.12 0.14

MLCP Pipe
Nominal Internal Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s)
Diameter Diameter @ 0.25L/s @ 0.5L/s @ 0.75L/s @ 1L/s @ 1.25L/s @ 1.5L/s
(mm) (mm)
16 12 2.21 4.42 6.63 8.84 11.05 13.26

20 15.5 1.32 2.65 3.97 5.30 6.62 7.95

25 20 0.80 1.59 2.39 3.18 3.98 4.77

32 26 0.47 0.94 1.41 1.88 2.35 2.83

40 32 0.31 0.62 0.93 1.24 1.55 1.87

50 41 0.19 0.38 0.57 0.76 0.95 1.14

63 51 0.12 0.24 0.37 0.49 0.61 0.73

 59

Pressure drop
 60

Copper Pipe

Nominal Internal Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure

Diameter Diameter Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m)
(mm) (mm) @ 0.25 m/s @ 0.5 m/s @ 0.75 m/s @ 1 m/s @ 1.25 m/s @ 1.5 m/s

15 13.6 50 174 365 620 938 1317

22 20.2 31 107 226 384 581 817

28 26.2 22 78 165 281 425 598

35 32.6 17 61 127 216 327 460

42 39.6 14 48 101 171 260 365

54 51.6 10 35 74 125 190 267

67 64.3 8 27 57 96 146 205

76 73 7 23 49 83 126 177

108 105 5 15 32 54 82 115

133 130 4 12 25 42 64 90

159 134 3 12 24 41 62 87

Stainless Steel Pipe

Nominal Internal Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure

Diameter Diameter Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m)
(mm) (mm) @ 0.25 m/s @ 0.5 m/s @ 0.75 m/s @ 1 m/s @ 1.25 m/s @ 1.5 m/s

15 16.1 41 142 298 506 765 1075

20 21.7 29 99 207 353 534 750

25 27.3 22 75 157 267 405 569

32 36 16 54 113 192 291 409

40 41.9 13 45 94 160 243 341

50 53.1 10 34 71 121 183 258

65 68.9 7 35 52 89 134 189

80 80.9 6 21 43 74 111 157

100 114.9 4 14 29 49 74 104

MLCP Pipe

Nominal Internal Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure

Diameter Diameter Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m) Drop (pa/m)
(mm) (mm) @ 0.25 m/s @ 0.5 m/s @ 0.75 m/s @ 1 m/s @ 1.25 m/s @ 1.5 m/s

16 12 59 204 426 723 1093 1535

20 15.5 42 149 312 529 801 1125

25 20 31 109 229 389 589 827

32 26 23 80 167 284 429 604

40 32 18 62 130 221 335 471

50 41 13 46 97 165 249 350

63 51 10 36 75 127 192 270

 61

Heat loss
 62

Design Temperatures
Location External Temperature (degC)

Belfast -1.2

Birmingham -3.4

Caridff -1.6

Edinburgh -3.4

Glasgow -3.9

London -1.8

Manchester -2.2

Plymouth -1.2

Room Temperature (degC)

Lounge 21

Dining 21

Kitchen 18

Hall / Landing 18

Utility 18

Study 21

Bedroom 18

Bed & Ensuite 21

Bathroom 22

WC 18

Store 16

Ventilation Rates
Room Pre 2000 Build ACH Post 2000 Build ACH Post 2006 Build ACH

Lounge 1.5 1 0.5

Dining 1.5 1 0.5

Kitchen 2 1.5 1.5

Hall / Landing 2 1 0.5

Utility 3 2 0.5

Study 1.5 1.5 0.5

Bedroom 1 1 0.5

Bed & Ensuite 2 1.5 1

Bathroom 3 1.5 1.5

WC 2 1.5 1.5

Store 1 0.5 0.5

Room with Chimney/Flue ACH

40m3 - Without Throat Restrictor 5

40m3 - With Throat Restrictor 3

70m3 - Without Throat Restrictor 4

70m3 - With Throat Restrictor 2

 63
U Values

Element W/m²K
Roof

Aerated Concrete 0.16

Asphalt 0.5

Felt/Bitumen 0.3

Screed 0.41

Stone Chippings 0.96

Clay Tiles 1

Concrete Tiles 1.5

Wood / Wool 0.1

Floors

Concrete 1.35

Steel 50

Screed 1.2

Softwood 0.13

Hardwood 0.18

Wood Blocks 0.14

Windows

Metal Single Glazed 5.7

Metal Double Glazed 3.4

Metal Triple Glazed 2.6

Wood Single Glazed 4.8

Wood Double Glazed 2.8

Wood Triple Glazed 2.1

PVC Single Glazed 4.8

PVC Double Glazed 2.8

PVC Triple Glazed 2.1

Doors

Solid Wood Door 3

Glazed Wood Single 5.7

Glazed Wood Double 3.4

Glazed Wood Triple 2.6

Metal Single 5.7

Metal Double 3.4

Metal Triple 2.6

Walls

Solid Brick 2.1

Solid Brick Insulated 0.28

Solid Stone 2.25

Solid Stone Insulated 0.32

Solid Concrete 3

Solid Concrete Insulated 0.31

Cavity Wall Uninsulated 1.3

Cavity Wall Insulated 0.55

Hardwood 0.18

Softwood 0.13

Plasterboard 0.16
 64

Design Checklist

Design

Component Requirement
Heat Pump Located close to the rest of the system

Located away from the entrance and any windows

Located away from rooms where noise will be a nuisance

Located in a shady area

Located in an area that has no risk of damage from falling

objects

Located in an area with good air昀氀ow and access for

maintenance

Recirculation Pump Located on the design adjacent to the heat pump

Cylinder Located close to the rest of the system

Located away from the entrance and any windows

Located in an area with access for maintenance

Located in an area where a leak would not be catastrophic

Located in an area where electricity is relatively easy to

connect

Buffer Tank Located close to the rest of the system

Located away from the entrance and any windows

Located in an area where a leak would not be catastrophic

Pipes Pipe routes are the most ef昀椀cient possible

Heat Emitters Location of radiators con昀椀rmed

Location of the under昀氀oor heating manifold con昀椀rmed

Diverter Valve Located on the design between the heat pump and cylinder

No heat emitters between the heat pump and diverter valve

 65

Calculations

Component Requirement

Heat Emitters Find the Delta T

Calculate the surface areas
Find the U-Value of surfaces
Calculate the surface heat loss
Calculate the air change heat loss
Size the heat emitters
Pipes Calculate the heat load connected to each pipe

Choose the Delta T of the system

Calculate the 昀氀ow rate through each pipe
Find the properties of the chosen pipe material
Size the pipe based on the velocity at the calculated
昀氀ow rate
Check the pressure drop through each pipe and
adjust sizes accordingly
Cylinder Calculate the cylinder capacity
Calculate the cylinder heat load on the heating
system
Diverter Valve Calculate the 昀氀ow rate on each of the two diverter
valve outlets
Size the pipe on the inlet to the diverter valve for the
largest of the two out昀氀ows only
Heat Pump Calculate the heat load of all of the heat emitters that
are connected to the heat pump
Calculate the heat load of all of the pipes that are
connected to the heat pump
Determine the heat pump size for the combination of
all the heat loads
Buffer Tank Calculate the system volume required to avoid a
buffer tank
Calculate the volume in the designed system
Con昀椀rm if/what size buffer tank is required
Recirculation Pump Calculate the 昀氀ow rate of the system
Calculate the pressure drop through the index circuit
 66

Bibliography
1 Percentage of Fossil Fuels Used in the World.

2 A look at how people around the world view climate change.

3 King, Collins Introduce Legislation Incentivizing Americans To Use Cheaper,

Cleaner Home Heating and Cooling Units.

4 EU Heat Pumps: warnings against “one size 昀椀ts all” policies.

5 Households in England and Wales to be offered new £5,000 Government

grant from April 2022 to help replace gas boilers with heat pumps.

6 William Cullen: Scottish physician and professor.

7 Heat Pump Technology: A Brief History.

8 Heat pump installations in the UK – where and why?