Integration of solar systems with heat pumps and other technologies

Abstract

Solar energy is an inexhaustible clean energy, which can make a significant difference in current energy situation. With the energy-saving rate being about 75%, solar building has become one of the most important regions in green buildings. However, solar systems may encounter many problems during the practical application due to the existing defects such as low energy density, instability, and discontinuity, along with high demand of continuity and comfort for building cooling/heating. Integration of solar systems with heat pumps could solve those problems effectively. Meanwhile, it could achieve various functions such as heating, air conditioning, and water heating with compact structure, various patterns, safe and reliable operation, stable performance, and long service life. Through various collector types, integration systems could realize the perfect integration with the buildings. Hence, the integration of solar systems with heat pumps serves as an energy-efficient technology with high potential in development and application. This paper first presents the introduction and classification for solar systems and heat pumps, so as to explain their respective merits and demerits. Then, the integration methods of solar systems with different heat pumps, such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and absorption heat pumps, are introduced. Finally, the paper expounds the evaluations, including the applicability, stability, and economy for each system.