A SOLAR-ASSISTED HEAT PUMP SYSTEM FOR COST-EFFECTIVE SPACE HEATING AND COOLING

摘要

The use of heat pumps for the utilization of solar energy is studied. Two requirements for a cost-effective system are identified:(1) a special heat pump whose coefficient of performance continues to rise with source temperature over the entire range appropriate for solar assist, and (2) a low-cost collection and storage subsystem able to supply solar energy to the heat pump efficiently at low tempera¬tures. Programs leading to the development of these components are discussed. A solar assisted heat pump system using these components is simulated via a computer, and the results of the simulation are used as the basis for a cost comparison of the proposed system with other solar and conventional systems.