Assistance and Application of Anti-Freeze Valves for Heat Pump Systems

In winter, when outdoor temperatures drop below 0°C, both heat pump units and solar energy systems may face the risk of freezing, which can damage pipelines, heat exchangers, and solar flat-plate heat exchangers.

For heat pump units, once the heat exchanger is frozen, the entire unit may be scrapped, leading to significant losses. When heat pump units are operating for heating in winter and encounter a power outage or malfunction,

the water in the pipelines and heat pump unit may freeze. If the water in the pipelines and unit cannot be drained in a timely manner, the unit will be damaged.

An anti-freeze valve automatically discharges a small amount of water from the pipeline when the water temperature inside falls below a set value, preventing the water from freezing and expanding to damage the unit or pipeline.

Main Functions: 

Anti-freeze valves are primarily used in heat pump water systems to protect the main heat exchanger and pipelines from damage caused by freezing.

When the water temperature in the water pipe drops to the temperature that triggers the valve to open, the anti-freeze valve opens to drain water.

Since the anti-freeze valve is installed at the water discharge points of the supply and return water pipes, it can promptly drain the water from the heat pump unit and pipelines,

preventing the heat exchanger from cracking due to freezing and the pipeline system from expanding due to ice, thereby protecting the heat pump unit and water pipelines. 

In solar energy systems, anti-freeze valves are mainly used to protect solar collectors from damage caused by freezing.

When the external temperature of the collectors drops to the temperature that triggers the valve to open, the anti-freeze valve automatically opens to drain water.

At this point, hot water from the solar storage tank enters the collectors, raising the water temperature in the collectors and preventing the water temperature from continuously dropping and freezing, which could damage the collectors.

When the water temperature in the collectors rises above the opening temperature, the anti-freeze valve automatically closes and stops draining water.

 Application Environment:

 When heat pumps are used in cold northern regions, pipelines exposed outdoors may freeze, causing significant damage to the heat pump unit and system.

This often occurs when the following issues coexist:

Outdoor temperatures remain close to or below 0°C for extended periods;

Outdoor pipelines lack adequate insulation;

The system has not been supplemented with anti-freeze fluid or the proportion added is insufficient;

The heat pump unit malfunctions or experiences unexpected power outages.

When these issues arise, the anti-freeze valve can automatically open to drain the circulating water in the outdoor pipelines, preventing freezing and thereby protecting the main unit, pipelines, valves, and other equipment.