The performance analysis on dual heat source heat pump system based on micro heat pipe-heat exchanger

To efficiently harness solar and air energy, a novel micro heat pipe-heat exchanger, acted as the evaporator of heat pump system, was proposed. Moreover, a solar-air dual heat source heat pump (SADHSHP) system was formed by using the evaporator. The system can operate in two modes: Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and PV/T-water & air source heat pump (PV/T-W&ASHP). System performance was experimentally investigated. The results show that, in the PV/T-W&ASHP heating modes, the average electrical efficiency and thermal collection efficiency are 13.27% and 24.14%, respectively. The average coefficient of performance (COP) is 2.80, significantly higher than the 2.08 observed in the Air Source Heat Pump (PV/T-W&ASHP) mode. This difference is attributed to the fact that increased solar energy can raise the evaporation temperature of the heat pump system. Therefore, the system can achieve energy savings through different operating modes. The relevant conclusions can provide some reference for the efficient utilization of solar-heat pump system in the field of energy saving buildings.