In this article we are going to explain how this technology called aerothermal works and that aims to impose itself in the future for several reasons. We will go into detail what it is, advantages and disadvantages and we will analyze the different heating technologies today in order to draw a conclusion.

What is aerothermal technology?

Aerothermics is a heating-cooling/air conditioning and/or hot water generation equipment based on extracting energy from the outside air, using thermodynamics, and is used in passive houses and PassivHaus. What is a passivhaus? Everything you need to know. For this purpose, it uses an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heat pump with high energy efficiency, capable of extracting energy from the air even in extreme temperature conditions. It is a high efficiency heat exchanger.

How does aerothermal energy work?

Aerothermics works through the operation of a reversible heat pump. It consists of transporting energy in the form of heat from one environment (air, water or soil) to another. For example, the energy contained in the air transfers it to an internal water circuit. This process is generated through the change of state from gas to liquid of a refrigerant fluid by means of the ambient temperature and with the help of a compressor. The air conditioning system can be connected to radiators, fan-coil, underfloor heating and even split.

Diagram of aerothermal installation in a house – Via Daikin

At GRUPO PAGES BCN, our team of healthy spaces team do not recommend the implementation of underfloor heating under sleeping areas, as it generates electromagnetism and other negative effects, which in some cases can affect our health and well-being. On our website you can find more information.

Is aerothermal energy a type of renewable energy?

Yes, it is considered as such because the aerothermal equipment absorbs the energy contained in the outside air, and for this it needs electrical power. A heat pump of this type uses 75% renewable energy and 25% electrical energy, but this can also be extracted by renewable energy systems.

For example, to guarantee a completely renewable system, we can combine aerothermal energy with photovoltaic solar panels to generate this 25% of electrical energy. In addition, the surplus of photovoltaic solar energy, if any, can be used in other fixed electrical consumption of the house.

Aerothermal heat pumps are designed and built for maximum performance in severe climatic conditions, both in summer and winter, and can therefore extract energy even in sub-zero temperatures.

Can I install an aerothermal system in my home?

The aerothermal units are designed for use in single-family homes, as well as in small and medium-sized buildings. It can also be installed in single-family buildings as well as in new buildings that have a location for the outdoor unit(s).

Aerothermal energy can be used to provide heat to a system of low temperature radiators, underfloor heating, fan coils, as well as for the generation of domestic hot water, as mentioned above.

At GRUPO PAGÈS BCN we already use these systems in our projects.

Efficiency scheme comparing different systems – Via enerpop.com

What advantages do I have with aerothermal energy compared to other systems?

We can list some of the main advantages of an aerothermal system:

• High energy efficiency and lower operating costs. It is a high efficiency system, so consumption is very low, and the long-term savings are considerable to consider.
• Simple installation and adaptable to existing installations.
• Great savings with low temperature heating systems.
• Renewable and clean energy with low CO2 emissions.
• No flues (chimneys) are required. It is a system that does not generate smoke, gases or ashes in the building, thus avoiding problems of evacuation of combustion gases typical of other options.
• Highly recommended option for locations without natural gas supply. The heat pump is based on the electrical supply, so to enjoy this technology it is not necessary to contract a gas supply, for example. This reason is one of the strongest within the usual decision making.
• With the installation of this technology, current regulations exempt us from the obligation to install a device that works with renewable energy, such as solar panels.such as solar panels.

And there are no disadvantages?

Of course, as in any system we have to take some points into account:

• Its initial cost is higher (offset by the savings obtained). You can see a comparison in the study shown in the next point.
• Requires space for the location of the outdoor unit.
• In very cold climatic zones, performance is reduced and has to be compensated with other components. and has to be compensated with other components.
• To obtain maximum savings it is necessary to have an installation of underfloor heating or low temperature radiators and it is not recommended at all.

As in almost all cases, the suitability or not of this type of equipment will depend on the user’s needs and the installation site. There is no definitive solution in terms of air conditioning.

Comparison between different heating systems

Based on the study made by Enerpopwhich take into account the fmost important players for a home user When considering the choice of technology to be used in the construction of a new house or the renovation of an existing installation, we can conclude that aerothermal energy, although it does not present the lowest investment cost, it can be said that it is the best choice for a new house. is the technology with the highest number of plus points and the best cost-savings balance..

Obviously, it should not be applied in 100% of the cases, since each project should be evaluated individually, as some technologies are better suited than others depending on the situation. some technologies are better suited than others depending on the situation, as we have indicated.as indicated above.

To give an example, in an off-grid home, aerothermal may not be the best option (although the energy could be supplied by an off-grid photovoltaic system), as opposed to other technologies such as biomass.

The future is called aerothermics

What is clear, however, is that aerothermal will soon be the main technology used in new installations and renovations – mainly in ordinary homes – while technologies such as diesel (gasoil) and propane will be gradually phased out..

As we have mentioned in the advantages, with the installation of this technology, the current regulations exempt us from the obligation to install a device that works with renewable energy, such as solar panels. On the other hand, if we install a gas boiler or an oil boiler, the regulation would require us to install a device that works with renewable energy (such as solar panels, biomass or wind turbines). In future articles we will provide more information about these renewable energy systems.

How to start? If you want to know more information and get an estimated offer for your aerothermal installation you can contact us directly and our team will be at your disposal to help you in everything you need.

REFERENCES

PAGÈS BCN GROUP. Passive house and Passivhaus certification https://grupo-pages.com/una-vivienda-pasiva-y-el-certificado-passivhaus/

PAGÈS BCN GROUP. What are passive houses like? (What you should know) https://grupo-pages.com/como-son-las-casas-pasivas%e2%80%a8-lo-que-debes-saber/

ENERPOP. Comparison of heating systems https://enerpop.com/comparativa-sistemas-calefaccion/

CALORYFRIO. Air conditioning with aerothermal energy What is it and how does it work? – Infographics. Idoia Arnabat https://www.caloryfrio.com/aire-acondicionado/aire-acondicionado-domestico/aire-acondicionado-aerotermia-que-es-como-funciona-infografia.html