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Performance comparison of an overfeed large-scale photovoltaic-thermal heat pump under different numbers of operating compressors

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

Abstract

Large-scale photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) heat pump systems incorporating multiple compressors are pivotal in the energy transition. However, their heating and power generation performance is strongly influenced by solar irradiation. This study compares the performance of an overfeed large-scale PVT heat pump system with four parallel compressors under one-compressor (OC), two-compressor (TC), and three-compressor (HC) operation modes, through three heating experiments conducted under similar weather conditions. The results indicate that the evaporating pressure under OC operation was 18.83 % and 31.27 % higher than that under TC and HC, respectively. Consequently, the heating coefficient of performance of OC surpassed that of TC and HC by 26.57 % and 52.93 %, owing to reduced irreversible losses in the heat exchangers. In contrast, HC achieved the highest improvement in photovoltaic efficiency—5.67 % relative to uncooled PVT modules—along with the fastest hot water production rate. Based on a comprehensive comparison of six critical performance indices over the whole heating process, a daily control strategy for the optimal number of operation compressors was proposed to maximize system efficiency while satisfying heating requirements. The study provides an experimental foundation for optimizing compressors operation in large-scale PVT heat pump systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Ruishen & Zhang, Jili & Ma, Liangdong & Li, Wentao & Han, Youhua & Guo, Xiaochao, 2026. "Performance comparison of an overfeed large-scale photovoltaic-thermal heat pump under different numbers of operating compressors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225051849
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139542
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    References listed on IDEAS

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