Theoretical performance of solar heat pump residential heating applications

Abstract

Solar energy systems and heat pumps are two promising means of reducing the consumption of fossil energy sources and potentially, the cost of delivered energy for refrigeration and air conditioning purposes. In order to accomplished for this purpose, thermal energy storage (TES) systems are becoming an interesting option. TES is a key component of any successful thermal system and a good TES should allow minimum thermal energy losses. The use of a latent heat storage system using phase change materials (PCMs) is an effective way of storing thermal energy. In this study, the performance of solar heat pumps with latent heat energy storage for residential heating applications was investigated theoretically.