Characterization of a solar photovoltaic/loop-heat-pipe heat pump water heating system

This paper introduced the concept, potential application and benefits relating to a novel solar photovoltaic/loop-heat-pipe (PV/LHP) heat pump system for hot water generation. On this basis, the paper reported the process and results of characterizing the performance of such a system, which was undertaken through dedicated thermo-fluid and energy balance analyses, computer model development and operation, and experimental verification and modification. The fundamental heat transfer, fluid flow and photovoltaic governing equations were applied to characterize the energy conversion and transfer processes occurring in each part and whole system layout; while the energy balance approach was utilized to enable inter-connection and resolution of the grouped equations. As a result, a dedicated computer model was developed and used to calculate the operational parameters, optimise the geometrical configurations and sizes, and recommend the appropriate operational condition relating to the system. Further, an experimental rig was constructed and utilized to acquire the relevant measurement data that thus enabled the parallel comparison between the simulation and experiment. It is concluded that the testing and modelling results are in good agreement, indicating that the model has the reasonable accuracy in predicting the system’s performance. Under the given experimental conditions, the electrical, thermal and overall efficiency of the PV/LHP module were around 10%, 40% and 50% respectively; whilst the system’s overall performance coefficient (COPPV/T) was 8.7. Impact of the operational parameters (i.e. solar radiation, air temperature, air velocity, heat-pump’s evaporation temperature, glazing covers, and number of the absorbing heat pipes) to the performance of the system (in terms of efficiencies of the PV/LHP module and the system’s overall performance coefficient COPPV/T) was investigated individually. The results indicated that lower solar radiation, lower air temperature, higher air velocity and smaller cover number led to enhanced electrical efficiency but reduced thermal efficiency of the module; whereas lower heat-pump’s evaporation temperature and larger number of heat absorbing pipes gave rise to both thermal and electrical efficiencies of the module. The research results would assist in developing a high efficient solar (space or hot water) heating system and thus contribute to realisation of the energy saving and associated carbon emission targets set for buildings globally.