BPEC L3 Award in Air Source Heat Pump Systems (Non-Refrigerant Circuits)

• Heat-pump fundamentals – how heat pumps work and the principles behind low-carbon heating.
• Types of heat pumps – including air-source and, depending on the course, ground-source systems
• System design – heat-loss calculations, heat-pump sizing, pipework, hot-water cylinders, radiators/underfloor heating and system controls.
• Installation – how the different components are installed and connected correctly.
• Electrical requirements – understanding the electrical supply, controls and safety considerations relevant to the installation.
• Refrigeration principles – the basic refrigeration cycle and how heat is transferred.
• Commissioning – setting up, testing and checking a completed heat-pump system
• Fault finding and maintenance – identifying common problems and keeping systems operating efficiently.
• Efficiency and performance – understanding factors such as flow temperatures, system efficiency and Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
• Health & safety – working safely and following relevant regulations, standards and manufacturer requirements.

Work as a heat-pump installerIf you already have relevant plumbing, heating or electrical experience, you could look for roles installing and commissioning heat-pump systems.

Progress into heat-pump designYou could develop your skills in system design, including heat-loss calculations, sizing systems, selecting emitters and designing controls.

Add further renewable-energy qualificationsYou could consider training in areas such as:

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
• Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
• Solar PV
• Solar thermal
• Battery storage
• Underfloor heating
• Energy efficiency and retrofit

• Theory assessment – You may complete a written or online assessment to demonstrate your understanding of heat-pump technology, system design, safety and relevant standards.
• Practical assessment – You’ll be assessed on your ability to carry out relevant installation, testing or commissioning tasks safely and correctly.

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