Experimental performance analysis and optimization of a direct expansion solar-assisted heat pump water heater

Y.W. Li, R.Z. Wang, J.Y. Wu and Y.X. Xu

Energy, 2007, vol. 32, issue 8, 1361-1374

Abstract: In this study, a direct expansion solar-assisted heat pump water heater (DX-SAHPWH) with rated input power 750W was tested and analyzed. Through experimental research in spring and thermodynamics analysis about the system performance, some suggestions for the system optimization are proposed. Then, a small-type DX-SAHPWH with rated input power 400W was built, tested and analyzed. Through exergy analysis for each component of DX-SAHPWH (A) and (B), it can be seen that the highest exergy loss occurs in the compressor and collector/evaporator, followed by the condenser and expansion valve, respectively. Furthermore, some methods are suggested to improve the performance of each component, especially the collector/evaporator. A methodology for the design optimization of the collector/evaporator was introduced and applied. In order to maintain a proper matching between the heat pumping capacity of the compressor and the evaporative capacity of the collector/evaporator under widely varying ambient conditions, the electronic expansion valve and variable frequency compressor are suggested to be utilized for the DX-SAHPWH.

Keywords: Heat pump; Water heater; Coefficient of performance; Solar collector efficiency; Exergy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (44)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:32:y:2007:i:8:p:1361-1374

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2006.11.003

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