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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.