Which system transfers heat from one place to another?

A heat pump is a device designed to transfer heat from one location to another, effectively moving thermal energy in the desired direction. This system can function as both a heater and an air conditioner by absorbing heat from the outside environment (even in cold weather) and transferring it indoors to warm a space. Conversely, in cooling mode, it can remove heat from indoor air and release it outdoors.

The operation of a heat pump relies on the refrigeration cycle, which involves refrigerant that circulates through various components, enabling the transfer of heat. This makes the heat pump an efficient system for heating and cooling, as it moves heat rather than generating it through combustion or electrical resistance.

In contrast, a heat exchanger facilitates heat transfer between two fluids but does not inherently move heat by itself; it requires a system like a heat pump or other heating/cooling systems to function. A heat sink is designed to absorb and dissipate heat, primarily to cool electronic components rather than transfer heat across different locations. A thermal insulator, on the other hand, is used to prevent the transfer of heat, thus serving as a barrier to heat flow rather than facilitating it.