Acoustic Signature of Heat Pumps

Reduction of acoustic emissions is important to further increase the acceptance of heat pumps as air-to-water, water-to-air, air-to-air and brine-to-water (ground source) units. To increase this acceptance and minimize noise annoyance more focus has to be put on the acoustics emissions at steady state and transient behaviour of acoustic signatures during different operating conditions (e.g. icing, de- frosting, capacity control, cooling mode).

The primary aim with Annex 51 is to increase the acceptance of heat pumps (as air-to-water, water-to-air, air-to-air and brine-to-water units) for comfort purpose with respect to the noise and vibration emissions.

A second focus is placed on increasing knowledge at different levels (manufacturers, acoustic consultants, installers, legislators). To reach this goal, first different reasons to reduce sound emissions depending on countries (legislation), locations and applications have to be gathered and understood. The main influencing factors to the acoustic signature of these units will be identified. Collecting and combining research results in these fields on the different implementation levels (component, unit and application) will finally lead to directions for improved components, units and control strategies including guidelines, as well as training and inputs to future standards. The aim is to gather the knowledge and expertise of the participants on the different levels in order to forward this knowledge and establish recommendations and advices.