Optimal Connection of Heat Pump and Solar Buffer Storage under Different Boundary Conditions

The paper presents the results of a simulation study, in which the connection of heat pumps and buffer storage tanks has been investigated. The simulations are carried out for a new type of a solar thermal combi system with a 32 m2 collector field leading to a solar fraction of more than 50%. In the first stage, the most influencing installation and operation parameters have been identified and optimized for typical boundary conditions of weather/climate, hot water demand, building and space heating system. Within further simulations these boundary conditions are varied to find generalized design rules for the connection of heat pumps and storage tanks. These results are presented and discussed.