Solar heat pumps cut emissions 30% when paired with solar panels
A new study shows that combining photovoltaic cells with solar-assisted heat pumps dramatically improves performance and reduces climate impact. But the upfront cost is steep: payback periods stretch 24% longer, raising questions about subsidy models needed to make the technology commercially viable.
Originaltitel: A Comparative Analysis of a Direct Expansion Solar-Assisted Heat Pump with and Without Photovoltaic Cells
This paper presents a comparative analysis of direct expansion solar-assisted heat pumps (DX-SAHP) with and without photovoltaic cells (PVT-DX-SAHP). Two sets of experiments were conducted to validate the mathematical model: one with PVT-DX-SAHP and another with DX-SAHP. The mathematical model used in this study is based on physical equations using energy, mass, and entropy balance. The heat exchangers were modeled using the moving boundaries technique. The compressor and photovoltaic cells were modeled using a black box model with equations for the efficiencies of these components. The low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant R290 (propane) was used in this study. Two independent sets of experimental data were used to validate the model, with a mean absolute deviation of 4.8%. The results indicated that PVT-DX-SAHP had a higher season performance factor (SPF) and a lower total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) compared to DX-SAHP, with an average SPF increase of 81% and a TEWI reduction of 30%. The findings also showed that PVT-DX-SAHP had a 24% higher longer payback period than DX-SAHP.