Energy simulation and feasibility of a ground-source heat pump coupled with a phase change material energy storage system for heat supply

Abstract

The Zero Energy Building concept is conceived as a solution for the mitigation of CO2 emissions and the reduction of energy use in the building sector. Heat pumps are considered as high-efficiency alternative systems to contribute to reduce energy consumption in buildings, particularly when they are based entirely or partially on energy from renewable sources, such as ground energy. Combined use of Ground-Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) with Phase Change Materials (PCM) energy storage systems could improve even more the energy efficiency, and reinforce the approach to Zero Energy Building. Moreover, the PCM energy storage allows the owner to use low-cost electricity periods (night, weekend) to operate the GSHP, thanks to the delay between the energy charging period and the user needs. This work deals with the simulation and feasibility of a GSHP+PCM facility, designed to meet the domestic hot water (DHW) and heating energy needs of a standard single family house placed in a European continental climate.