Complete guide to the consumption of heat pumps and winter storage using hydrogen

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice in the field of home heating and cooling thanks to their efficiency and sustainability. However, many people still wonder about the energy consumption associated with these machines.

Understanding the factors that influence the consumption of heat pumps is essential to optimize their use and maximize their energy impact.

In this guide we will explore the main elements to consider when talking about the consumption of a heat pump, while also providing practical tips to increase the efficiency of your system.

Detailed analysis: 2 practical examples of consumption

When we talk about heat pumps and consumption, we must consider the variability of energy consumption in relation to different operating and environmental conditions.

To make this analysis more concrete, we can examine some common practical scenarios, highlighting how heat pumps, thanks to their advanced technology, are able to optimize energy consumption.

However, it should be specified that these are only examples for “educational purposes” and do not always correspond to each specific case. As we will see later, in fact, the factors that determine the electricity consumption of a heat pump are several.

Example 1: heat pump in a single-family home

Let’s suppose we install a heat pump in a 100 sqm home, in an area with a temperate climate. The installed pump – still assuming – has a nominal power of 7.5 kW (that is, the thermal power actually delivered to the environment) and is used for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water production. During the winter, with average outdoor temperatures of 5°C, the heat pump operates on average 8 hours a day.

Considering an average consumption of 1.8 kWh in heating mode, the daily consumption would be about 14.4 kWh. Multiplying by the actual days of operation of the machine in winter (let’s assume 150 days), we arrive at a seasonal consumption of 2,160 kWh.

Example 2: semi-detached house

Let’s suppose in this case we install a heat pump in a 200 sqm semi-detached house located in a colder region with average winter outdoor temperatures of 0°C. The 15 kW heat pump may need to operate about 10 hours a day. Given a higher energy demand due to more severe climatic conditions, we can assume a consumption of about 2.5 kWh. The daily consumption rises to 25 kWh and for a cold season of 150 days the total consumption will be 3,750 kWh.

These are only “educational” examples: it is not possible to establish with mathematical certainty the consumption of a heat pump without having precise and specific data regarding the system and other factors such as the home, desired indoor temperature, and the like.

Heat pump for Semi-Detached House

Calculation of annual and seasonal consumption

Understanding the energy consumption of a heat pump throughout the year requires considering several factors such as the unit’s power, local climate, and the specific use of the heat pump (heating, cooling, or domestic hot water production).

Let’s look at some useful tips regarding the annual and seasonal consumption of the heat pump, always remembering that such data cannot be precise because the elements must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Identify the nominal power of the machine: the nominal power of the heat pump expressed in kW is a good starting point for calculating consumption. This data indicates the maximum amount of energy that the unit can consume for each hour of operation;

determine the coefficient factor: heat pumps have an efficiency factor known as COP (Coefficient of Performance) for heating and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) for cooling. These values indicate how much useful energy (heat or cold) the unit produces for each unit of energy consumed;

calculate the hourly consumption: for the basic calculation, you need to multiply the nominal power of the unit by the expected number of operating hours. For a more realistic result, technically you should also consider the COP and EER variables, but to do this it is better to rely on a professional because the calculation becomes more complex.

In addition, you also need to consider seasonal variables and any photovoltaic integration.

By seasonal variable we mean the number of daily operating hours, which varies according to the season. For example, in winter, a heat pump may have to work more hours to maintain the desired temperature compared to autumn or spring.

If the house also has a photovoltaic system, then it is necessary to subtract the energy generated and consumed by the heat pump from the total energy consumption. This reflects a significant saving on annual consumption. H2W can implement a winter storage system for summer energy. This system uses hydrogen stored in cylinders which will then be converted via a fuel cell into hot water and electricity. The hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis and compressed in the case of high-pressure cylinders, or there is a low-pressure, minimal-space variant at a higher cost. The system produces heat for 30 years, amortizing the cost of the system without problems.

Let's take another practical example:

Let's take as an example a 5kW fuel cell and a 2.4kW electrolyzer with a photovoltaic system that generates the winter and summer requirements:

Suppose we examine a heat pump with a nominal power of 10 kW, an average SCOP of 5.13 in heating mode, and an average daily operation of 6 hours in winter and 4 hours in summer.

Winter: 10 kW x 6 hours/day x 120 days = 7,200 kWh.

Including the SCOP, the actual consumption would be 7,200 kWh/5.13 = 1,403 kWh

Summer: 10 kWh x 4 hours/day x 90 days = 3,600 kWh.

Including the EER, the actual consumption would be 3,600 kWh/4.36 = 825 kWh.

The approximate annual consumption – not considering spring and autumn – would be 1,403 kWh + 825 kWh = 2,228 kWh.

The total requirement is 10,800 kWh per year if we live at a geographic altitude where an average power of 1,000 kWh/kWp per year is estimated; with a photovoltaic system, we need at least 5.5 kWp, including self-consumption for 4 people for 4,048 kWh per year, a minimum photovoltaic panel of 10.85 kWp is needed.

in winter: the heat pump powered by the fuel cell produces 5,610 kWht and uses 1,683 kWht produced by the hydrogen conversion, covering the thermal requirement of 7,293 kWht by consuming 85 kg of hydrogen produced in the summer period by the electrolyzer in 243 sunny days, consuming 4,666 kWh.

the content of 85 kg of hydrogen occupies 8 racks with 16 cylinders, while if we want storage for the energy requirement, we reach 150 kg, 14 racks, and an operating cycle to charge the cylinders of 16 hours for 243 sunny days or two electrolyzers that consume 8,133 kWh.

If we want to charge the electric car, we estimate another 1,993 kWh per year; to simplify the calculations, let's do a storage of 200 kg of hydrogen in 18 racks

we would need at least 13.5kWp of photovoltaic and larger batteries to have the necessary capacity to charge at any time.

the same system can also power a multi-family building with 4 apartments of 4 people by creating a virtual rcp and we would need more power:

4 apartments of: 115[m2]

photovoltaic: 15[kWp], 17'447[kWh/year]

heat pump: 12[kWel]

Electrolyzer 12kWel, 3kWth

200kg of hydrogen, 18 racks (1 rack=16 cylinders)

fuel cell 10kWel, 10.3kWth

40kWh of batteries

It is important to reiterate that these calculations are only indicative: to obtain the actual consumption of a machine, it is always advisable to rely on a professional who can carry out the analysis considering the countless determining factors that we will see in the next paragraph.

Determining factors in the consumption of heat pumps

The energy consumption of a heat pump—as reiterated several times throughout this article—is influenced by many factors, some of which can be controlled by the user, while others depend on the intrinsic characteristics of the device or the environment in which it is installed. Understanding these factors can help optimize the use of the heat pump, improving its efficiency and reducing operating costs.

Here are the factors to consider regarding the consumption of the heat pump:

the insulation of the building: a critical factor that affects the efficiency of the heat pump is the thermal insulation of the building. Good insulation reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, decreasing the workload of the heat pump and, consequently, energy consumption;

the external temperature: heat pumps are more efficient in moderate climates. Extreme temperatures, both cold and hot, can reduce the efficiency of the heat pump, increasing energy consumption;

the sizing of the unit: an oversized or undersized unit compared to the needs of the building can lead to inefficiencies. A unit that is too large consumes more energy by starting and stopping frequently, while a unit that is too small may have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature;

the temperature setting: setting the thermostat to excessively high values in winter or low in summer can significantly increase energy consumption. It is advisable to use moderate settings to optimize comfort and energy efficiency;

maintenance: regular maintenance is essential to maintain the efficiency of the heat pump. A clogged air filter, dirty coils, and an inefficient air distribution system can reduce the energy efficiency of the heat pump;

integration with renewable energy: using photovoltaic panels to power the heat pump can greatly reduce energy costs. The free energy from the sun offsets the electrical consumption of the heat pump, improving the overall efficiency of the system;

the technology of the heat pump: the most modern heat pumps, such as those produced by , are equipped with advanced technologies that improve energy efficiency, such as inverter compressors and intelligent control systems, which adapt the operation of the unit to real needs, reducing consumption.

Knowing and managing these factors can significantly influence the efficiency of a heat pump system: the pumps are designed with these principles in mind and guarantee optimal performance for users while being environmentally sustainable.

5 strategies to optimize consumption and increase the efficiency of heat pumps

Optimizing the energy efficiency of heat pumps not only reduces your home's ecological footprint but also leads to significant economic savings. Here are some key strategies to optimize consumption in the context of residential heat pumps:

improve the insulation of the building: adequate insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, decreasing the workload required of the heat pump. Heat pumps , with their high efficiency, take full advantage of well-insulated homes, maximizing energy savings;

use of our electronics: the HCC (House Climate Control) system is our own production and this optimizes the use of heat pumps by adjusting the temperature according to the needs at home. The heat pumps boast intelligent home management systems, allowing precise and flexible control of temperature settings for personalized comfort and greater energy efficiency;

regular maintenance: scheduled maintenance ensures that the heat pump always operates at maximum efficiency. stands out for its ease of maintenance, ensuring that the system's efficiency remains optimal over time;

use of inverter compressors: inverter compressors adjust power based on actual demand, reducing energy consumption. The heat pumps use this technology to ensure heating and cooling regulation, offering tailor-made comfort with minimal energy consumption;

integration with renewable sources: connecting the heat pump to a photovoltaic panel system further reduces operating costs, using clean and free energy. is designed to integrate perfectly with renewable energies, maximizing the positive impact on the environment and on the energy bill.

Here, finally, are all the strengths of heat pumps for the residential sector that have already helped make homes, villas, and entire residential complexes in Italy and throughout Europe more efficient:

100% ecological: thanks to the use of low environmental impact refrigerant gases and compatibility with solar energy, heat pumps are an excellent solution in the landscape of sustainable solutions for home heating and cooling;

super quiet: acoustic comfort is guaranteed by advanced technologies that minimize operational noise, making it an ideal choice for any home environment;

advanced remote control: with the HOUSE CLIMATE CONTROL app, users can manage and monitor their heat pump from anywhere, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency;

superior energy efficiency: continuous innovation in the R&D department of has led to the development of heat pumps that set new standards of efficiency, significantly reducing energy consumption and operating costs for users.

Would you like to know if a heat pump can help you save on your bill? If it is suitable for your home and your lifestyle?

Contact us, we will be happy to answer all your questions: we will provide you with a quote based on your requests.