Experimental studies on a ground coupled heat pump with solar thermal collectors for space heating

Chen Xi, Hongxing Yang, Lu Lin, Wang Jinggang, Liu Wei

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

102 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents experimental studies on a solar-assisted ground coupled heat pump (SAGCHP) system for space heating. The system was installed at the Hebei Academy of Sciences in Shijiazhuang (lat. N38°03', long. E114°26'), China. Solar collectors are in series connection with the borehole array through plate heat exchangers. Four operation modes of the system were investigated throughout the coldest period in winter (Dec 5th to Dec 27th). The heat pump performance, borehole temperature distributions and solar colleting characteristics of the SAGCHP system are analyzed and compared when the system worked in continuous or intermittent modes with or without solar-assisted heating. The SAGCHP system is proved to perform space heating with high energy efficiency and satisfactory solar fraction, which is a promising substitute for the conventional heating systems. It is also recommended to use the collected solar thermal energy as an alternative source for the heat pump instead of recharging boreholes for heat storage because of the enormous heat capacity of the earth.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5292-5300
Number of pages9
JournalEnergy
Volume36
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2011

Keywords

  • Borehole temperature
  • Experiment
  • Geothermal applications
  • Heat pumps
  • Heating
  • Operation modes
  • SAGCHP
  • Solar thermal applications

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Pollution
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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