Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a bimodal heat pump which in a first mode operates as an absorption heat pump and in a second mode operates as an evaporation-condensation device at a comparatively low ambient temperature. When switching from the first mode to the second mode, the evaporator and the absorber are uncoupled from the generator and the condenser. The generator and the condenser are operated in the second mode as an evaporation-condensation device, an extra quantity of working medium being present. The passage from the condenser to the evaporator is positioned at a level that provides the extra quantity of the working medium when starting the second mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a bimodal heat pump which in a first mode operates as an absorption heat pump and in a second mode operates as an evaporation-condensation device at a comparatively low ambient temperature. When switching from the first mode to the second mode, evaporator 15 and absorber 23 are uncoupled from generator 1 and condensor 7. The generator 1 and condensor 7 are operated in the second mode as an evaporation-condensation device, an extra quantity of working medium present in the condensor 7 being provided in the system. The heat pump comprises an overflow to the evaporator 15 the level 83 of which is a measure of an extra quantity of the working medium and has a closable transport pipe to the generator 1 for supplying extra working medium to the generator 1 when starting the second mode.The heat pump is meant in particular for heating spaces and presents the possibility of choosings from various working media and solvents having different decomposition temperatures.