Integrating Heat Pumps with Solar PV and Batteries: Unlocking Greater Efficiency and Savings

As colder temperatures approach, it’s essential to protect your heat pump system from the risk of freezing. Frost can cause significant damage to the hydraulics, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. The key to preventing this is ensuring that your system’s water circuit is properly protected with antifreeze. Here’s how you can safeguard your system and ensure its longevity during freezing conditions.

Glycol Concentration: The Key to Frost Protection
To prevent freezing, it’s crucial to use a proper weight concentration of glycol based on the lowest expected outdoor temperatures. Refer to the table below to determine the correct concentration of antifreeze for your system.

Minimum outdoor temperature -5℃ -10℃ -15℃ -20℃
Ethylene glycol 10% 15% 20% 25%
However, keep in mind that only one type of antifreeze should be used. Mixing different antifreezes can lead to corrosion and other problems. Always check the concentration of the antifreeze periodically to maintain optimal protection.

Be Aware of System Performance
While antifreeze is effective in preventing frost, it can have side effects on your system. The use of antifreeze may lead to a pressure drop and reduced capability of your heat pump system. Furthermore, when antifreeze is used, corrosion can occur. To mitigate this, ensure that a corrosion inhibitor is added to protect the metal components of your system.

Handling Antifreeze with Care
Antifreeze, especially ethylene glycol, is toxic. The concentrations recommended won’t necessarily prevent freezing but will stop the hydraulics from bursting. Always handle antifreeze with care, making sure to avoid skin contact, and follow all relevant local laws and regulations regarding its usage.

Preventing Corrosion: Tips for a Safe System
One major risk when using glycol-based antifreeze is corrosion. Glycol, especially uninhibited glycol, can turn acidic under the influence of oxygen, copper, and higher temperatures, accelerating the corrosion of metal surfaces. Here are some tips to ensure your system stays corrosion-free:

Select glycol with corrosion inhibitors to counteract acids formed by glycol oxidation.
In systems with a domestic hot water tank, use propylene glycol, as it’s safer for water heating purposes. For other installations, ethylene glycol is permitted.
Avoid automotive glycol because its corrosion inhibitors have a limited lifespan and may contain silicates, which can foul or block your system.
Do not use galvanized piping in glycol systems, as it can lead to chemical reactions with the corrosion inhibitors.
Ensure the glycol is compatible with the materials used in your system to avoid potential issues.
Trust the Experts for Water Treatment
It is crucial to have the water in your system treated by a qualified specialist. They will ensure that the water treatment is correctly performed, minimizing the risk of corrosion and maintaining the efficiency of your heat pump system.

Tongyi Heat Pumps R290 series are designed to significantly reduce your environmental impact by using renewable energy sources.