Among the numerous types of air conditioning systems available on the market, water loop systems prove to be an advanced and reliable solution.

Here are the main advantages.

Selecting the best air conditioning solution for large commercial buildings is a major challenge for designers. Among the many elements to be taken into account when choosing, not only is there the reduction of energy consumption for the buildings and the search for optimal living comfort, but there is also the simplicity in design and installation, the absence of excessively high maintenance costs, and the possibility of expanding and changing the system according to future needs.

Among the numerous types of air conditioning systems available on the market, Water Loop Heat Pump systems prove to be an advanced and reliable solution, especially for shopping centres, hotels, offices and large buildings with cooling loads even in winter. Very popular in the United States and in England, but as yet unknown in the rest of Europe, this system solution takes its name from the two-pipe water circuit (loop) that distinguishes it and which is maintained at a neutral temperature by heat integration or heat dissipation systems.

How does the system work?

The water circuit at the basis of the WLHP system connects a series of reversible water-to-air or water-to-water heat pumps to ensure optimal air conditioning of areas of the building with very different requirements. The series is also potentially unlimited and allows many integrations, also in view of future system expansions (in the building). The exchange fluid that is circulated through the circuit is not liquid refrigerant but water at a “neutral” temperature, which operates as a source for the heat pumps, enabling them to produce the required heating or cooling energy locally.

Alternatively, there is a variant of the system called WSHP, in which sea, river or lake water is used as a completely renewable energy source. In both cases, to keep the temperature of the water loop within typical ranges, i.e. 20-35°C, the most efficient solution is to use an air-to-water heat pump downstream of the entire system. Alternatively, other devices that control the temperature of the water loop can also be used, even in combination with each other, such as heat generators, cooling towers, geothermal probes or groundwater wells.

What are the advantages of the Water Loop Heat Pump?

The WLHP system provides numerous benefits in terms of simplicity, flexibility of use and energy efficiency.

 

Easy to design, install and maintain.

In fact, the presence of only two water pipes running through the building makes this system solution easy to design and install, as well as requiring minimal maintenance compared to other types of air conditioning systems. And that is not all: the use of water as an exchange fluid instead of refrigerant makes the F-Gas Inspection and the use of leak detection devices for the heat pumps that make up the system totally unnecessary.

Greater efficiency and reliability

Efficiency and reliability are ensured by the decentralisation of energy transfer. The heating and cooling energy required for air conditioning the various areas of the building are in fact produced locally by the individual terminal units, thereby eliminating the waste of any transfer from the generator to the areas supplied. Furthermore, should a heat pump fail, the damage would be confined and not affect the smooth operation of the entire system.

Lower investment than other solutions

The initial investment cost, which is lower than for other solutions, can also be considered one of the main advantages of WLHP systems. The building project’s client can in fact transfer a part of the initial installation costs, requesting the purchase of the air conditioning units from the individual users, and only cover the condominium provisions. The terminal units do not require complex site operations and provide great versatility, substantially reducing installation and testing times.

Overview of the advantages of a WLHP

  • Building areas with different energy requirements are supplied
  • The system is easy to design and install
  • Maintenance is minimal
  • The system can be expanded as required
  • The use of neutral water makes the F-Gas Inspection unnecessary
  • The initial investment cost is reduced

Water loop systems according to Clivet

More than 300 large buildings including shopping centres, business centres, hotels and offices, in Italy and around the world, have benefited from a reduction in seasonal consumption of up to 50% thanks to the installation of a Water Loop Heat Pump system with products supplied by Clivet.

Backed by more than 30 years’ experience in the development of systems for sustainable comfort and personal well-being in all kinds of environments, the company provides designers in the plumbing and heating sector with a wide variety of specific products for water loop systems. A series that guarantees diverse configurations for every type of application, capacity up to 350 kW and high energy efficiency, with COP up to 5.9.

Wlhp and Air renewal ZEPHIR3

Among the various solutions offered by Clivet for the creation of WLHP systems, the ZEPHIR3 packaged unit plays a decisive role because it ensures the correct exchange and purification of air in the rooms.

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor installation, the ZEPHIR3 unit features Full Inverter heat pump technology with thermodynamic recovery in combination with electronic filtration (ISO 16890 ePM1 90%). The result is clean, highly filtered fresh air (1,000 to 14,000 m3/h), with an active action against viruses and bacteria, efficient energy recovery of exhaust air, as well as reduced ventilation and improved living comfort due to accurate temperature and humidity control of the inlet air.

Learn more with our WLHP brochure