Solar-assisted heat pump
Heat pumps transfer heat from a lower temperature source to one of a higher temperature. This is the opposite of the natural flow of heat. They can be used domestically or commercially to provide hot water, space heating (either by providing hot water for under-floor heating or radiators, or supplying hot air) or other applications such as heating swimming pools.
A refrigerant fluid is run through the lower temperature source. The fluid ‘absorbs’ heat and boils. The resulting gas is then compressed, which further increases its temperature. The gas is passed into heat exchanger coils, where it condenses, releasing its latent heat. The process then repeats.
A solar-assisted heat pump (SAHP, sometimes referred to as a thermodynamic panel) combines heat pump and solar thermal technologies into an integrated system. Heat is typically absorbed by aluminium panels installed on an external wall or roof, generally 1 m x 2 m, although sizes can vary according to the building’s heat demand.
Compared to solar thermal systems, which are less efficient during winter months, the potential energy savings are greater.
If there is excess demand for hot water, back-up can be provided by connecting a boiler back into the system.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Absorption heat pump.
- Air source heat pumps.
- BSRIA domestic hot water heat pumps testing.
- BSRIA global heat pump market 2019.
- Domestic heat pumps and the electricity supply system.
- Exhaust air heat pump.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Heat exchanger.
- Heat pump.
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme 2020.
- Renewable energy sources: how they work and what they deliver: Part 3: Electrically driven heat pumps DG 532 3.
- Renewable energy sources: how they work and what they deliver: Part 4: Solar thermal hot water systems DG 532 4.
- Room-based heat pumps.
- Solar thermal heating.
- Thermal labyrinths.
- Types of domestic boiler.
- Water source heat pumps.
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.