Simulation of a hybrid solar heat pump system for cooling and heating

This paper proposes and builds a prototype system of a novel hybrid solar heat pump (HSHP),also presents theoretical analyses and simulation results of the system. This HSHP is directly powered by a photovoltaic-panel, with water heat source from vacuum solar collectors. The system is a dual-evaporator system with water and air as dual low temperature heat source in winter, operating alternatively according to proper different temperature level. While in summer, the sensible and latent cooling load can be independently handled, which provides chilled water by solar PV directly powered vapor compression refrigerator and applies solar thermal energy from collectors for desiccant regeneration. Also in the system, there are two separate water tanks for thermal energy storage, one for high temperature water and one for low temperature water. A theoretical model is built for this novel hybrid solar energy system to study the comprehensive performance of heating, cooling and domestic water supply for a house mainly powered by solar energy. According to the simulation results, the HSHP system proposed in this paper has higher total efficiencies both in summer and in winter than typical air source solar refrigeration and heating systems.