Applying Solar PV to Heat Pump and Storage Technologies in Australian Houses

Tom Simko, Mark B. Luther, Hong Xian Li and Peter Horan
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Tom Simko: School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Mark B. Luther: School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Hong Xian Li: School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Peter Horan: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: Innovative mechanical services coupled with renewable energy systems are crucial for achieving a net zero energy goal for houses. Conventional systems tend to be vastly oversized because they lack the means to buffer energy flows and are based on peak loads. This paper presents an approach to achieve a net zero energy goal for houses by using a solar PV system, heat pumps, and thermal and electrical storage batteries, all off-the-shelf. Constraining one part of the system and then showing how to manage energy storage and flow is a paradigm shift in sizing. The design is for a modest-sized house built in Melbourne, Australia. The output of a solar photovoltaic array drives a small-scale heat pump to heat water, buffering its energy in a thermal battery to energise a radiant space heating system. Space cooling is provided by a separate heat pump. Through energy storage in electrical and thermal batteries, it is possible to meet the electricity, heating and cooling needs of the house for the Melbourne climate with a heat pump that draws less than 1 kW. The design methodology is detailed in an appendix and can be applied to similar projects. This paper contributes to similar work worldwide that aims to reinforce innovative renewable energy driven service design.

Keywords: self-consumption; solar photovoltaics; heat pumps; thermal storage; space heating; space cooling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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