A new system for energy-efficient indoor heating and cooling is currently being developed at the University of Edinburgh in the UK. This system utilizes a heat pump that is able to harness heat energy bound to water and is currently undergoing testing, as reported by The Guardian. Developed by a university-based startup company called Seawarm, the heat pump can use seawater, as well as water from rivers and ponds, as its heat source. The technology is similar to air heat pumps, but with the added advantage of utilizing water as a heat source.
Gus Fraser-Harris, involved in the planning of the system, mentioned that while the Seawarm system may be more expensive than a standard air source heat pump, it is still more cost-effective compared to a geothermal heat pump. The system involves collecting water in a large tank and recovering the heat from natural water using ethylene glycol. This liquid is then compressed in a heat pump to produce thermal energy. The system is designed to use a water source located up to 500 meters away from the object being heated.
The heat pump system is currently being tested in various settings including housing projects and greenhouses. It is designed to replace traditional gas and oil heating systems in order to achieve emission reduction goals. While the use of water as a heat source in a heat pump is not a new concept, the Seawarm system represents an innovative approach to utilizing thermal energy from water sources for heating and cooling purposes. The system’s portability and efficiency make it a promising option for indoor climate control in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.