Hybrids

The VortexAir Hybrid is a combination of a high efficiency condensing oil boiler and an air source heat pump, interconnected using a control system, such that they operate together as a single unit. It is intended to be installed where a heat pump alone may not be suitable for a particular application.

Each type of hybrid system works differently depending on its design and configuration. With the Grant VortexAir Hybrid, the control system on the hybrid unit monitors the ambient (outside) air temperature and allows only the heat pump to operate when the air temperature is high enough for it to meet the heat demand of the building on its own. At lower ambient air temperatures the boiler will operate alongside the heat pump, providing a boost to the flow temperature. When the ambient air temperature falls lower still, the boiler is operated at its full output at a higher flow temperature to enable the hybrid unit to meet the higher heating demand of the building.
With the EvoLink Hybrid System Hub, there are two core operating modes – Comfort and Green. With the Comfort mode, the EvoLink will ensure that the desired comfort level is maintained with the boiler being called in when the heat pump is unable to satisfy the space heating or hot water load. With Green mode, the EvoLink will ensure that the heat pump supplies as much of the heat energy to the system as possible and, during instances when the boiler is required to satisfy the space heating or hot water load, the EvoLink will only operate the boiler for as long as necessary and will ensure the heat pump remains operating for as long as possible.

A hybrid unit enables the optimum use of both an inverter driven air source heat pump and a traditional heat source, whether that be a highly efficient condensing oil boiler with the VortexAir or an existing fossil fuel appliance with the EvoLink. Throughout the year, as the ambient air temperature (and consequently the heat demand of the building) changes, a hybrid will provide the most efficient use of both the renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The VortexAir Hybrid and EvoLink Hybrid System Hub allow end-users to benefit from low carbon heating for the majority of the year with the boiler used as a back-up during colder periods.