More self-consumption thanks to a heat pump
Heating their home as sustainably as possible using their own solar power and free energy from nature – this is what the Merki family had in mind. The intelligent coupling of PV system and heat pump allows them to use as much of the solar power generated on their roof as possible.
Replacing the electrical storage heating system
When the old, central electrical storage heating system had to be replaced, the Merki family were following a clear goal: They wanted to have a climate-friendly, renewable and economical heating system for their home. They quickly decided on a heat pump. A geothermal system was out of the question, and there was no aesthetically pleasing solution for an outdoor setup in their well-kept garden. The Merkis therefore chose an indoor air/water heat pump.Coordinating photovoltaics and heat pumps
As a physicist, Peter Merki was concerned with optimising the power and heat generation as a holistic system in order to use as much of their own generated power from the PV system as possible. This is not always easy in practice. When the sunshine is strong, the PV system produces a lot of power, but there is also less need for heating during this time. To maximise self-consumption of the solar power, both systems had to be cleverly aligned with each other. The solution: an intelligent coupling of the PV system and heat pump that dynamically balances supply and demand and maximises self-consumption.
The heat pump in use
Air/water heat pump with hydraulic module
Heat output: 12 kW
Highly efficient
Low-noise operation
EMS connection via Modbus TCP/IP
An energy management system as a solution
An energy management system – “Solar Manager” in this case – analyses the energy demand of the heat pump and detects the current production energy of the PV system. In this way, PV excesses can be incorporated into the operating strategy of the heat pump. This provides comfort, efficiency and system stability in equal measure. For the system to function seamlessly, the CTA heat pumps Optiheat and Aeroheat support the industry standard Modbus TCP/IP and can therefore communicate bidirectionally with the energy management system.
The Merki couple,homeowners
Good collaboration
“We obtained a very good technical solution because all the trade partners involved worked together closely and effectively.”
Coordinated and solution-driven
The project is an excellent example of how the quality of a heating solution depends on the interplay of all elements – from the PV system to the heat pump control to the energy management system – and also on the coordinated activities of all parties involved: the installer, building owner, heat pump supplier and PV provider all working together to make the optimal solution possible.
How much does a heat pump cost?
Our cost calculator allows you to quickly and easily obtain a price estimate.
Two types of air source heat pumps
Air/water heat pumps install outdoors or indoors. Outdoor units have a pipe that leads inside. Indoor units require two air ducts: one to draw in the air, and the other to release it back into the environment.
In safe hands
Choosing a CTA heat pump means opting for a high-quality, durable product. Even though heat pumps are generally considered low-maintenance, regular servicing and checks are required to maintain their perfect and low-cost performance in the long run. For newly installed heat pumps, our experts recommend taking out a ‘CTAplus’ extended warranty. This comprehensive protection offers cover for up to 12 years after commissioning. Alternatively, or even after your ‘CTAplus’ expires, we offer a flat-rate service contract for all heat pumps. We are a family-run Swiss company with production facilities in Switzerland.
Contributors
Building owner: the Merki family
EMS and photovoltaics coupling: Baumann Elektro
Heating system installation: Frutiger Gebäudetechnik
System advice and heat pump supplier: CTA AG