Air Source Heat Pump Buffer Tanks explained - Kingspan Albion Aerocyl

Air source heat pumps and buffer tanks explained using the new Kingspan Albion Aerocyl with integrated buffer tank!

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Meet an air source heat pump
02:16 The problem with buffer tanks and ASHP's
03:00 Albion Aerocyl system layout
04:04 Why do we need a buffer tank
05:25 Important components
08:04 Heating connections
08:49 Expansion connections
10:23 Connections Overview
11:24 Why choose a Kingspan Albion Aerocyl?

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[PaulJones-tw]

A note of caution … if we want the heat pump rollout to be a success, they are going to have to deliver heat at a price that matches gas, preferably even cheaper. Therefore, to anyone thinking of installing a heat pump, PLEASE be very cautious about putting in a buffer. Unless you are able balance the flow rates very closely on each side, you’ll likely end up with the heat pump running hotter than it needs to, thus reducing COPs and making the householder’s energy bills higher than they need to be. You only really need a buffer if the circulation pump in the heat pump can’t produce adequate pressure for the (probably larger) property, or if you are feeding in more than one heat source, eg. a boiler backup. Defrost can be taken care of by leaving enough rads permanently on, or if that’s an issue, put in a volumizer in the circuit. Take a look at the excellent videos from ‘Heat Geek’ and ‘Urban Plumbers’ on buffer tanks to get the expert view on this.

[SkillBuilder]

James you are a genius, polymath and your brickwork ain't too shabby.

[sammyb]

Isn’t it funny how for years we went back to “low water systems” micro bore plastic and small rads now we need the opposite for heat pumps 😂

[handyandy]

Apparently most heat pump installations are installed in Semi Detatched houses. One semi is lived in, the other semi houses the heat pump heating system.

[calderjack]

Excellently presented, I wish I had a fraction of your knowledge

[georgepop]

Hi James

Can you do a full video about the wiring of this system please?

I’m a bit confused about the 3 way valve, because it comes with 5 wire and the heat pump doesn’t accommodate that .
The heat pump has only 3 connections on the terminal block so I’m thinking that a diverter valve will do the job
So I’m not sure how it works 😅

Thank you

[rickbean]

Congratulations on being nominated as Influencer of the Year 2022. Do a video and ask uour followers to nominate you. Best of Luck

[DanielTowers]

Is the buffer tank still used when heating DHW or is it just used for central heating? thanks

[Chrominance]

Your looking a lil like Roger Bisby these days. Great video.

[paulhutchinson]

Most heat pump manufacturers offer pre plumbed cylinders with built in buffer. The leading brands have inverter driven compressors so short cycling isn't an issue, a buffer is mainly used to maintain minimum water volume for the defrost.

[UnderwaterADV]

I'm finding sourcing such a cylinder impossible, is this the biggest one you showing? want to let me have this one for an install at my property, you can then review how well it actually installs. Or maybe just let me know where I can buy this in the UK.

[nobob]

The buffer is more important as the mixing point for a fixed flow system and a variable system. Just like a big low loss header. It will also stop short cycling of the heat pump.

[BakedTuber]

Does this mean the buffer tank should be kept hot 24/7? Or does it all stop when the system stops calling for heat?

[davecodling]

I moved into a property with a Therma V it only has a small buffer tank. But also has a Combi attached. And seems to use this for hot water. The air source pump rarely kicks in. Controlled by an LG controller in loft. The plumbers I've had to look at it dont understand heat pumps. So I'm a little confused how its actually meant to operate.

[johnhine]

Just a quick observation, why you sticking your flow setter on the flow pipe, LV stipulate it on their manufactures instructions that it be fitted on the return pipe.

[gibbodive]

It is a shame they have put all this effort in and fitted a prehistoric drain valve at the base of the cold water feed (pet hate !).
Why not fit a full bore valve with a 3/4 male connection to allow fast draining and more importantly an perfectly located pressure test point when servicing !
Rather like the Megaflow ?
I absolutely agree with the point made about fitting the combi valve at a high point...

[steviepower]

At first i thought you had made a climbing frame for your kids in the garden mate. That thing is huge.

[ajones]

Heating element in the buffer tank😂🤣😂🤣perfect👌

[bovnet]

A flat plate heat exchanger for DH would make the whole thing so much simpler

[maze]

This is a great vid as Im not quite there yet and find quite a lot of information that can be contradicted depending on what forum Im on. I surmise that a buffer may not be required depending on the system design. Thank you regards Mike