Have Consumers Been Lied to About the Efficiency of Heat ...

Have Consumers Been Lied to About the Efficiency of Heat ...

Are heat pumps manufactured in China failing to meet their advertised efficiency and performance levels, potentially leaving consumers and homeowners dissatisfied? Our investigation brings to light alarming inconsistencies in the testing data associated with several commonly used units. Insights provided by Pawel reveal substantial variances in the claims made about the performance of various Chinese heat pump models.

Learn more about the topic by visiting guangteng.

To clarify, this is not a condemnation of heat pumps. On the contrary, we strongly advocate for their vital contribution to the future of eco-friendly heating solutions. Nonetheless, it is essential for consumers and homeowners to conduct thorough research when making purchasing decisions.

When presented with a more affordable option produced in China, particularly one that an installer promotes to minimize upfront costs, it is essential to be well-informed about the possible repercussions. Our mission at Renewable Heating Hub is to equip homeowners with the knowledge necessary to make educated choices, ensuring they can enjoy the full benefits of heat pump technology without being misled by false claims.

We focus our examination on models such as the PW040-DKZLRS-E/S from Power World, the PASRW020-BP-PS-D from PHNIX, and the BLN-012TC1/BLN-018TC1 from SolarEast to ascertain their true efficiency.

While our primary analysis targeted the aforementioned models, this merely scratches the surface. Our research spans a broader range of units, all presenting concerning discrepancies within their testing metrics.

We possess testing reports that unveil similar challenges in heat pumps, including the Fantastic Energy FEIHCD040S, Gondzik’s Zulu 13 R290 and Zulu 23 R290, Guangdong ZenzAir’s ZAF-17II/HPSP1, GZ Axen’s KS-90W/EN7BP, along with Jiangsu’s MMHP22D1 & MMHP22D2. The list goes on with Exinda’s XDASH20D3A, XDASH20D3B, XDASH20D3C, and their respective S variants.

These insights indicate a systematic issue regarding the efficiency reports of these heat pumps manufactured in China, causing uncertainty about their advertised performance levels and long-term cost efficacy. This shines a light on a broader problem that could potentially mislead numerous consumers who placed their trust in these products' efficiency promises.

Understanding the Implications for Homeowners

The heat pumps under scrutiny, despite discrepancies in testing results, are still certified by the MCS, qualifying them for government subsidies. This MCS certification implies a level of reliability and effectiveness that may not correspond with real-world performance, as evidence suggests that test outcomes might have been artificially inflated. Consequently, homeowners might be misled into purchasing these units, anticipating a level of performance that may be unattainable.

Why is this significant for you? Envision purchasing a heat pump, relying on its performance claims and Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), only to find it does not meet those expectations. This deficit translates to inflated operational costs — expenses that you might wrongly attribute to poor design, installation, or setup. In reality, the underlying issue lies in the product's failure to deliver the advertised efficiency levels.

Our Findings and Investigations

Power World PW040-DKZLRS-E/S

A review of Technical Report No.: 64.181.23..01, issued by TÜV SÜD Certification and Testing (China), reveals critical findings that undermine the integrity and efficiency of this heat pump.

Low Temperature Application. Part Load Ratios and Conditions:

•   Part Load A (88%): Outdoor temp -7°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp -7°C/34°C.
•   Part Load B (54%): Outdoor temp 2°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp 2°C/30°C.
•   Part Load C (35%): Outdoor temp 7°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp 7°C/27°C.
•   Part Load D (15%): Outdoor temp 12°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp 12°C/24°C.

Medium Temperature Application. Part Load Ratios and Conditions:

•   Part Load A (88%): Outdoor temp -7°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp -7°C/52°C.
•   Part Load B (54%): Outdoor temp 2°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp 2°C/42°C.
•   Part Load C (35%): Outdoor temp 7°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp 7°C/36°C.
•   Part Load D (15%): Outdoor temp 12°C, Inlet/Outlet Water temp 12°C/30°C.

Upon examining the specifics, several discrepancies arise:

• Compressor Frequency Constraint: The compressor frequency for both test points C and D is documented as 30 Hz. Should the heat pump be unable to operate below 30 Hz, then at lower part loads (which generally necessitate a diminished operational frequency for the compressor), the heat pump may not lower its capacity as it ideally should. This results in disproportionately high heating output for the specified outlet temperatures.

• Consequential Implications: If the heat pump cannot modulate its operation under a certain frequency, this limitation could create a situation where the heat pump functions more efficiently at lower part loads than it genuinely does. This might make the heat pump seem to deliver a greater heating capacity than could be expected given prevailing temperature conditions. Therefore, it could be interpreted as a deliberate manipulation of performance figures if the heat pump's inability to operate below a specific frequency is not transparently communicated. Such an omission would significantly distort the representation of the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the overall efficacy of the heat pump, ultimately misleading consumers about its real capabilities.
• Incongruence in Heating Capacity for Test Points C and D: The heating capacities for test points C and D do not diminish in direct proportion to the decrease in outlet temperatures compared to other test points. Such a mismatch might occur if the heat pump is sustaining a minimum operational level due to the 30 Hz compressor frequency constraint, preventing the unit from curtailing its output when demand (part load) declines.

The inconsistency in heating capacities at test points C and D, combined with the consistent compressor frequency and lower outlet temperatures, implies that the heat pump's performance at these part loads is not as variable as one might expect. This situation could suggest a performance curve that is not uniformly distributed across all operational ranges, which should be disclosed openly to users and accurately presented in performance data sheets.

The steadiness of the compressor frequency at 30 Hz points to a minimal modulation capability for the heat pump. Such a limitation ought to be factored into the COP calculation and explicitly conveyed in the performance data to ensure that users are not misled regarding the efficiency and operational versatility of the heat pump throughout its entire functional spectrum.

If you'd like further information, visit Swimming Pool Heat Pump China.

PHNIX PASRW020-BP-PS-D

Regarding the PASRW020-BP-PS-D model, Pawel also provided a technical evaluation from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) in addition to the testing data in Technical Report No.: 64.181.22..01 Rev.00, also compiled by TÜV SÜD Certification and Testing (China). The DTI assessment highlighted several issues in the testing of PHNIX heat pumps, echoing concerns raised in the previous case.

• Mismatch in Heating Capacities: At test points C and D, the recorded heating capacities were markedly higher than anticipated. Likely, the heat pumps' inability to function below a certain compressor frequency inflated heating capacities at these part loads.
• Non-Conformity: The testing did not adhere correctly to EN standards. According to these standards, if a heat pump cannot achieve the required part load ratio, adjustments must be made to the indoor heat exchanger temperatures. Such adjustments were neglected, resulting in inaccurately high Coefficients of Performance (COP) and exaggerated seasonal energy efficiency.
• Consequences for Energy Label Ratings: The omission to adjust temperatures as per EN standards led to heightened COPs in test points C and D, resulting in inflated seasonal energy efficiency and impacting the heat pumps' ratings on energy labels.

The DTI highlights that these findings uncover significant deviations from testing protocols, calling into question the reliability of the reported energy efficiency of the PHNIX model.

Tests conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute also recorded that the heat pump frequently engaged in defrost mode during assessments, complicating the ability to measure it under stationary conditions. Adjustments were made to prolong the duration between defrost cycles; however, this did not facilitate stationary operation of the heat pump.

Further issues arose at -7°C, where the heat pump continuously malfunctioned and registered an error. Consequently, the team decided to assess functioning at positive temperatures (12°C), but even then, the heat pump's performance was subpar, displaying erratic output increases.

SolarEast BLN-012TC1 & BLN-018TC1

In Technical Report No.: 64.181.22..01 Rev.00, dated 24/10/, again compiled by TÜV SÜD Certification and Testing (China), a closer look at the data collection timeframe during tests across samples A-F reveals a total time allocation of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

In tests conducted for the BLN-018TC1 dated 24/04/ (Technical Report No.: 64.181.22..02 Rev.00), the duration for data collection was notably shortened to just 1 hour and 10 minutes. This reduction in data collection rounds corresponds to trends noted in reports for other brands and models with similarly reduced data collection durations.

Correspondence from testing laboratories shared with us suggests that given the frequent initiation of defrost cycles that adversely impact a heat pump's performance, shortening the data collection period can help prevent the evaporator from icing up during assessments, thereby enhancing test outcomes and achieving better efficiency ratings.

Misrepresentation of Heat Pump Performance: A Call for Enhanced Consumer Vigilance

It is alarming that despite these emerging concerns, these heat pumps remain on the MCS list and continue to qualify for government grants. This situation is further complicated by the presence of OEM units, effectively identical models marketed under different brand names, which also appear on the MCS listing. Additionally, you will find that their certifications have been removed from the Keymark database in Europe.

The inaction taken by MCS to withdraw these potentially deceptive certifications raises significant concerns. This scenario particularly affects homeowners who installed these heat pumps under government incentives, operating under the illusion of reliability based on seemingly flawed data. The real consequences faced by these households, who placed their faith in the system's integrity and MCS's accreditation, present a critical and potentially distressing problem that requires urgent attention.

This situation also brings to light serious inquiries regarding the intended efficiencies of these heat pumps and the ramifications of inflated testing results. For instance, consider a product advertised as a 22kW unit, such as the NORDIC R290 Propane 22KW, which may, in fact, represent a mere 10kW heat pump with inflated nominal heating capacity. This discrepancy is not only misleading but signifies a substantial deviation from the expected performance, ultimately resulting in a unit incapable of delivering its purported output.

For consumers approaching this issue with caution, it is advisable to consider products developed by reputable European, Japanese, and Korean brands. These manufacturers are frequently backed by testing from credible, professional laboratories, providing an additional layer of assurance concerning their quality and reliability. Investing your time in researching and choosing products with a strong history of safety and efficacy is always a wise approach.

The Future of Heat Pumps in China – Analysis

Heating represents a vital service that society must decarbonize further. Heating decisions in China greatly impact global heating trends, as China accounts for approximately 33% of worldwide heat consumption, with the industrial sector contributing as much as 40% and the building sector about 20%.

Electrification via heat pumps serves as a key driver for decarbonizing heating methods, with recent years witnessing an uptick in sales in China, fueled by increased demand for space and water heating along with clean heating initiatives.

This report, crafted in collaboration with Tsinghua University, provides a comprehensive overview of the position of heat pumps within China’s buildings, industry, and district heating framework, as well as explores opportunities for expedited deployment growth. Heat pumps are poised to play a crucial role in helping China achieve its target of peaking CO2 emissions before 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060, highlighting vital opportunities to foster greater adoption rates.

To delve deeper, please visit Advanced technology evi heat pump bulk.