Performance Optimization of Air-Solar Dual-Source Heat Pumps: Comparative Analysis

The decarbonization of the construction sector plays a key role in the energy transition, in achieving the goal of clean, sustainable and accessible energy, and in the fight against climate change. In this context, heat pump systems are indicated as a key component. In the present work, a dual source heat pump using air and solar energy is analysed. In this study, three different dual source heat pump air-solar configurations are analysed. The first configuration involves a direct connection between the HP and the PVT, which function as the ‘master’ source. When the latter are unable to restore the necessary energy level, the dry cooler intervenes to recover heat from the ambient air. In the second configuration, thermal storage is inserted along the thermal circuit between the solar panels and the heat pump, while maintaining the connection via a mixing valve on the air side. Finally, the last configuration involves the insertion of a thermal energy storage system connecting the heat pump, cooled photovoltaic panels and dry cooler. This last configuration has various potential applications, not only increasing the inertia of the system, but also its flexibility in matching the thermal and electrical production of the thermal photovoltaic panels with the demand from the building and therefore from the HP.