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.
