Tips for Heat Pump Installation to get optimal energy savings

Small Design Tweaks, Big Energy Gains

At SEE-Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., we recently commissioned our 31st industrial heat pump — a milestone we’re proud of! But did you know that even after installation, significant additional savings can be achieved simply by optimizing system design and operation?

As energy engineers, we often observe that a deeper understanding of the existing cooling and heating systems can help industries extract much higher performance from their heat pumps. Here are some practical tips from our experience on the ground. 

1️⃣ Choose the Right Heat Source

Avoid selecting an air source heat pump when a chiller is already available.

The reason is simple — the cooling generated by the heat pump reduces the chiller’s cooling load, improving overall system efficiency. In such cases, integrating the heat pump with the chilled water network offers better thermodynamic synergy and energy recovery. 

2️⃣ Leverage Part-Load Performance

Heat pump integration can enhance the chiller’s part-load efficiency (COP).

When system loads are intelligently balanced, chillers operate in their most efficient zone, leading to lower power consumption and extended equipment life.

Proper load sharing and control sequencing between the chiller and heat pump can deliver remarkable energy savings. 

3️⃣ Optimize the Chilled Water Network

Before installing an additional evaporator pump for the heat pump, analyze your chilled water network thoroughly.

In many facilities, the existing pressure differential in the chilled water loop is sufficient to drive the required flow — meaning an extra pump may not be necessary.

This simple design decision can reduce both capital cost and maintenance needs while keeping the system hydraulics efficient. 

4️⃣ Study Your Log Sheets Closely

A detailed review of your chiller water evaporator-side ΔT (delta T) and flow rate is crucial.

By validating actual flow using pump curves and log sheet data, you can confidently decide whether the heat pump evaporator needs an auxiliary pump at all.

A careful analysis here often reveals opportunities to save power, improve reliability, and simplify system design. 

The Result: Smarter Integration, Higher ROI

These small but insightful steps can dramatically enhance your heat pump’s performance, improve the chiller’s operating efficiency, and lead to greater overall energy savings.

Energy-efficient technologies like industrial heat pumps are powerful tools — but it’s the energy engineer’s expertise that brings out their true potential.

Just like icing on a cake, fine-tuning your system adds that final touch of excellence.

For optimum results, close coordination between OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Energy Engineers is essential.

Together, they can ensure your plant achieves the highest possible efficiency and fastest return on investment.