Combining Heat Pumps with Solar Energy for Domestic Hot Water Production

In a simulation study two combinations of air-to-water heat pumps with either solar thermal collectors or photovoltaics have been scrutinized. Other heating systems have been included in the comparison. All system components applied are field proven and available on the market. Although all heat generators were sized to cover space heating and domestic hot water demand, the focus lays on domestic hot water preparation. As required by local regulations, all systems cover 50% of the final energy demand from solar insolation. The results show that both air- to-water heat pump combinations are nearly equivalent regarding economic feasibility and environmental impact.