Comparative Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal Assisted Heat Pump Systems Coupled with PCM Storage and EV Charging with Reference to the UK’s National Carbon Intensity

Cagri Kutlu (), Abdullah Dik, Mehmet Tahir Erdinc, Yuehong Su and Saffa Riffat
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Cagri Kutlu: School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS2 8AG, UK
Abdullah Dik: School of Engineering, University of Derby, Derby DE22 3AW, UK
Mehmet Tahir Erdinc: Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Yuehong Su: Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Saffa Riffat: Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-24

Abstract: Emerging trends in heat pump (HP) and electric vehicle (EV) adoption within communities aim to reduce carbon emissions in the heating and transportation sectors. However, these technologies rely on grid electricity, whose carbon intensity varies over time. This study explores how the carbon-saving potential of these technologies can be further enhanced through demand-shifting operations and renewable energy integration. The research compares photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) and hybrid solar heat pump systems that integrate EV charging and PCM-enhanced heat storage to improve space heating efficiency under low solar irradiance in the UK while reducing CO 2 emissions. The study simulates solar collector configurations and sizes, combining PV modules and heat pumps to enhance system performance. Control systems synchronize operations with periods of low grid CO 2 intensity, minimizing the environmental impact. The analysis evaluates PV/T systems, separate PV and thermal collectors, highlighting their energy efficiency and CO 2 reduction potential. Control systems further optimize HP operation and EV charging during periods of high renewable energy availability, preventing uncontrolled use that could result in elevated emissions. Using real weather data and a detailed building model, the findings show that a solar-assisted HP with 100% thermal collectors achieves a daily COP of 3.49. Reducing thermal collectors to 60% lowers the COP to 2.57, but PV output compensates, maintaining similar emission levels. The system achieves the lowest emission with high-efficiency evacuated flat plate PV/T collectors.

Keywords: demand-side management; PV/T heat pump; PCM storage; smart EV charging solutions (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: 2025
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