Our third education session was a popular one that brought together industry leaders to explore the complexities of integrating giant heat pumps into building automation systems. The panel, featuring experts from SES Consulting, Trane, Johnson Controls, and Long Building Technologies, shared valuable insights on overcoming common challenges and optimizing heat pump performance. Here are the key takeaways
1. Heat Pumps Are Not Boilers
One of the panel’s most critical lessons was that heat pumps operate fundamentally differently from traditional boilers. While boilers can handle variable flow and aggressive temperature resets, heat pumps require precise conditions to function efficiently. Misunderstanding this distinction often leads to operational issues, such as frequent shutdowns or inefficient performance. Key Insight: “Heat pumps are like snowflakes—they need the right temperature and flow to operate effectively. If you push them outside their comfort zone, they’ll shut down.”
“Heat pumps are not boilers. They’re not magical pieces of equipment that just deliver carbon-free heat. They require thoughtful design and precise conditions to function properly.
Brad White, President, SES Consulting
2. System Volume and Flow Are Critical
Heat pumps thrive on consistent flow rates and adequate system volume. Undersized pumps, improper flow control, or insufficient buffer tanks can lead to significant performance issues, including defrost cycles that disrupt heating operations.
“I would say probably the biggest thing that I personally see most often is related to pumps and pump control and the pumping configuration… If these valves and modules are opening and closing at a relatively quick rate and the pump can’t speed up fast enough, we’re going to lead into a lot of flow-related trips.”
Dan Gentry, Applications Engineer, Trane Technologies
3. The Importance of Proper Commissioning
Commissioning is a make-or-break phase for heat pump systems. The panel shared stories of projects where heat pumps were declared “fully commissioned” only to reveal critical issues later, such as pump failures or incorrect temperature settings.
Case Study: A school district installed a new heat pump system that was supposedly commissioned and operational. However, a week later, a pump failure and incorrect temperature settings left the system unable to deliver the required heat.
“Commissioning isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a process that requires thorough testing and validation,” emphasized
4. Hybrid Systems and Backup Solutions
In colder climates or during extreme weather events, hybrid systems that combine heat pumps with traditional boilers or electric resistance heating can provide reliable performance. Panelists highlighted the importance of setting realistic expectations with building owners about heat pumps’ limitations and the need for backup systems in extreme conditions.
Expert Advice: “If it’s -5°F outside and your heat pump isn’t working, are you okay sending your hotel guests to another property? If not, you need a backup plan.”
James Murphy, Sales Manager, Long Building Technologies
5. Training and Education Are Key
As heat pump technology becomes more prevalent, training for operators and technicians is essential. Many of the issues encountered in the field stem from a lack of understanding about how heat pumps operate.
Panelist Perspective: “We need to bridge the gap between the tools we have and the people using them. If your team doesn’t understand how to operate the system, even the best technology will fall short,” noted Lenny.
6. The Role of AI and Advanced Controls
While AI and advanced control systems can optimize heat pump performance, they are not a substitute for proper design and commissioning. Panelists cautioned against over-reliance on automation, emphasizing that human expertise remains critical in troubleshooting and optimizing heat pump systems.
Insight from the Field: “AI can help sort through emails or optimize routes, but it can’t replace the need for skilled technicians who understand the nuances of heat pump operation,” said David Sharino.
7. Lessons from the Field
The panel shared several real-world examples of heat pump projects, highlighting common pitfalls and successful strategies. These stories underscored the importance of thoughtful design and collaboration, from oversized boilers being replaced with smaller, more efficient heat pump systems to innovative hybrid designs that balance performance and cost.
Success Story: A 200,000-square-foot office building installed a 200-ton heat pump system designed to deliver 135°F water. However, during startup, the technician set the unit to a lower temperature, citing equipment limitations. “This was the first time we heard about the unit’s limitations, and it forced us to rethink our design,” shared one panelist.
Looking Ahead
As the industry continues to embrace electrification and decarbonization, heat pumps will play an increasingly important role in building automation. By addressing the challenges of system design, commissioning, and operation, industry professionals can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
As the industry continues to embrace electrification and decarbonization, heat pumps will play an increasingly important role in building automation. By addressing the challenges of system design, commissioning, and operation, industry professionals can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
Thank you to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise and to everyone who attended this session. Let’s continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in building automation!
Watch the full session here:
(This post used the assistance of Deepseek and Gemini AI )
