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Field experimental study of a novel overfeed photovoltaic-thermal heat pump for residential heating in northern China

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Ruishen
  • Zhang, Jili
  • Ma, Liangdong
  • Guo, Xiaochao
  • Han, Youhua

Abstract

To explore energy-saving heating solutions in northern China, a large-scale photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) heat pump system employing the overfeed refrigerant supply method was proposed and developed. Field experiments on two types of residential heating terminals (fan coils and radiators) were conducted over an eight-day period to evaluate the novel system's feasibility and heating performance. Results indicated stable system operation under winter conditions, with noon temperatures consistently exhibiting the following gradient: PVT module front surface > back surface > ambient. The highest compressor discharge temperature, recorded at 07:00 each day, were 92.1 °C and 118.0 °C for the two heating terminals. Daytime heating coefficients of performance (COPh) reached 2.97 for the fan coil and 2.48 for the radiator, surpassing nighttime averages by 31.1 % and 28.8 %, respectively. Two novel thermoelectric indices based on thermodynamic cycle work coefficient, a cost-based (COPPVT(C)) and a benefit-based (COPPVT(B)), were introduced. During 24-h testing, midday COPPVT(C) values reached 0.576 (fan coil) and 0.510 (radiator), while average COPPVT(B) values were 6.07 and 4.44, respectively. In addition, statistical analysis of hourly heating capacity and COPh over eight days revealed positively skewed distributions during daylight hours, and the daily power generation covered 29.6 % to 40.8 % of the power consumption. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of the overfeed PVT heat pump system for residential heating and suggested integrated with a secondary air-source evaporator or a thermal storage unit to pursuit higher efficiency.

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  • Li, Ruishen & Zhang, Jili & Ma, Liangdong & Guo, Xiaochao & Han, Youhua, 2025. "Field experimental study of a novel overfeed photovoltaic-thermal heat pump for residential heating in northern China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225041660
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138524
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    References listed on IDEAS

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