Course 441: Heat Pumps
Introduces the heat pump concept and related terminology. The online course covers maintenance and operation of water-to-water, water-to-air, ground-to-air, air-to-air, solar-assisted, geothermal, dual-fuel, and split systems, as well as packaged units. Defines balance points, coefficient of performance, energy efficiency ratio, and degree days. Covers components, controls, installation, checkout, and startup.
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Heat Pumps
Topics:
Heat pump operation and advantages; Cooling, heating, and defrost cycles; Balance points; Degree-days; Unit sizing; Operating costs
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how a heat pump differs from standard air-conditioning equipment.
- List the benefits of heat pump systems.
- Describe the heating, cooling, and defrost heat pump cycles.
- Define degree-day.
- List considerations in sizing heat pumps.
Lesson 2 - Heat Pump Systems
Topics:
Water-to-water, water-to-air, ground-to-air, air-to-air, solar-assisted, geothermal, dual-fuel, and split systems; Packaged units
Learning Objectives:
- Compare the operation of water-to-water and water-to-air heat pump systems.
- Compare the operation of ground-to-air and air-to-air heat pump systems.
- Describe the operation of solar-assisted heat pump systems.
- Describe the operation of geothermal heat pump systems.
- Describe the operation of dual-fuel heat pump systems.
- Discuss the differences in configuration and installation of split and packaged heat pump units.
Lesson 3 - Balance Points and Cost of Operation
Topics:
Determining balance points; Supplemental heating; Performance ratings; Efficiency ratings; Operating costs; Cost estimation
Learning Objectives:
- Determine heat pump system balance points and explain their relationship to system capacity.
- Discuss the use and control of supplemental heat.
- Discuss ARI single-point and seasonal heating and cooling ratings for heat pump equipment.
- Explain how several common variables affect heat pump operating costs.
- Describe how to use the heating degree-day, cooling degree-day, and bin methods of estimating heat pump system energy use.
- Describe common problems of heat pump systems in the heating mode.
Lesson 4 - Heat Pump Components
Topics:
Accumulators; Indoor and outdoor coils; Compressors; Reversing and check valves; Heat exchangers; Filter-driers, Thermostats
Learning Objectives:
- Explain why heat pump systems include an accumulator.
- Describe the indoor and outdoor coils, indoor air handling components, and various metering (flow-control) devices.
- Briefly discuss the requirements of reciprocating and scroll compressor operation as used in heat pump systems.
- Discuss the use and operation of the reversing valve and check valves in heat pump systems.
- Explain the functions of the equalizer tank, heat exchanger, and filter-driers in heat pump systems.
- Briefly describe indoor and outdoor controls and popular defrost control systems.
Lesson 5 - Heat Pump Controls
Topics:
Defrost and pressure controls; Heat sequencers; Emergency heat relay; Starting components; Lockout relays; Overload protectors
Learning Objectives:
– Describe the operation of the pressure differential and temperature differential defrost methods.
– Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the timed defrost and time-and-temperature defrost methods.
– Compare the construction and operation of electromechanical and solid-state defrost controls.
– Explain the functions of pressure controls, heat sequencers, and the emergency heat relay in heat pump systems.
– Describe typical starting and lockout devices used on heat pumps and explain why systems include transformers, contactors, and overload protectors.
Lesson 6 - Heat Pump Installation
Topics:
Outdoor and indoor units; Air distribution system; Refrigerant lines; Condensate drain; Electrical system; Packaged heat pumps
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss considerations in selecting the best location for outdoor unit installation.
- Discuss considerations in selecting the best location for indoor unit installation.
- Describe installation practices that help the air distribution system fulfill its purpose.
- Discuss procedures for installing refrigerant lines and primary and auxiliary drain lines.
- Discuss the requirements for installing electrical wiring.
- Describe additional requirements for installing a packaged heat pump unit.
Lesson 7 - Heat Pump Checkout and Startup
Topics:
Leak testing; Charging; Insulation; Electrical system, connections; Miscellaneous checks
Learning Objectives:
- Describe basic checkout procedures for the compressor crankcase heater, air distribution system, and all heat pump mountings.
- Describe basic steps in leak testing and charging a heat pump unit and discuss basic requirements for post-installation checkout of heat pump insulation and piping.
- Describe both the general post-installation checkout of the electrical system and tests to check specific electrical connections.
- Explain how to check the operation of the system thermostat, outdoor thermostats, and defrost controls.
- Name ways to increase blower output and explain why operator instructions are important.
