Heat pump hybrids for existing buildings

For existing buildings, heat pump hybrids can provide an option for gradually further developing the heating supply.

Heat pumps can be used in new or renovated buildings. However, high requirements relating to the condition and equipment of a building can result in increased refurbishment work, particularly in older buildings. Not everyone can implement such refurbishment immediately. Combining a heat pump with a gas or oil condensing boiler makes it possible to use the existing heating components together and adapt the heating supply to the requirements of the respective building. The heating output of the gas or oil condensing boiler mainly serves as support at low outdoor temperatures.

Boilers from Buderus or Bosch are also designed for use in an existing heating supply in the event of a heating system failure and the need for immediate replacement. Current boilers are prepared to be upgraded to heat pump hybrids at a later stage. This can allow the acquisition costs to be distributed over several years.

Further measures relating to the building envelope can follow the installation of a heat pump hybrid. These refurbishment measures can help to change the building’s heat demand and adjust the operating share of the heat pump within the hybrid system.

The Bosch Home Comfort Group focuses on heat pump hybrids

Heat pump hybrids combine a heat pump with an additional heat generator and can therefore provide a demand-oriented heating supply in existing buildings. The system consists of a smaller heat pump outdoor unit, the boiler, and the hybrid box. The hybrid box controls when each heat generator supplies the required heat.

Looking ahead, it is possible to assess which energy sources can be used to operate a heat pump hybrid. Depending on the technical design, these may also include gaseous energy sources such as hydrogen or biomethane.