Testing of ground-source heat pumps (GSHP)

Illustration: Lars Fransson, illustration & information

SP’s testing ranges from comprehensive testing of performance aspects such as heat pump capacity, efficiency, sound power level and correct operation of control and ancillary functions, to less comprehensive but more specialised testing such as measuring performance at a specified borehole temperature.

The most common tests that we perform for ground-source heat pumps include:

• Testing capacity and efficiency at full-load and part-load, and checking correct operation of functions, normally in accordance with EN 14511, CEN/TS 14825, prEN 14825 and/or EHPA test regulations.
• Testing capacity and efficiency for production of domestic hot water in accordance with EN 255-3, FprEN 16147 and/or LOT 2 Annex IV on Eco-design Implementing Measures for Dedicated Water Heaters.
• Operation of control and safety functions etc., in accordance with EN 14511-4 and EHPA test regulations.
• SP can perform visual and technical inspection of heat pumps.  We also inspect Swedish-language user instructions and care and maintenance instructions, in accordance with a template developed by SP and the Swedish Energy Agency.
• Sound power measurements, in accordance with ISO 3747 and EN 12102.
• Testing for P-marking in accordance with SPCR 130. The P-mark is SP’s own quality symbol, developed together with the heat pump industry.
• Testing and inspection for EHPA (European Heat Pump Organization) Quality Label certification.
• Calculation of energy savings in accordance with calculation model SP Method 0033, using data from capacity and efficiency testing.
• In addition, SP can also measure most other functions and parameters as required by our customers, such as pressures in refrigerant systems, hot gas temperatures and testing and inspection in accordance with other national and international certification systems as required.