Heat Pumps

Cambridge researchers have analyzed the benefits of installing a PV system on the roof of an apartment building in addition to energy refurbishment and have found that photovoltaics, especially if combined with heat pumps, makes retrofit projects more affordable.

An analysis by Eon and Aachen University shows how quickly heat pumps with and without photovoltaic systems and storage pay for themselves in different types of homes, also in comparison to gas heating. A heat pump with photovoltaics is usually more economical than without. Balcony solar usually pays for itself in three to six years. An accompanying survey shows that most people underestimate the economic viability of climate-friendly energy technologies.

The Vitocal 250-A Pro boasts a flow temperature of up to 70 C, a heating output of up to 39.5 kW and a cooling output of up to 21.7 kW and according to the German manufacturer, it is one of the quietest of its kind on the market. Its coefficient of performance is 5.6.

Scientists in the UK developed a controller for B2B trading platform that considers thermal and visual comfort. Their modeling shows that participating in local energy trading increases the robustness of the control systems in residential microgrids in face of uncertainty in the occupant comfort level.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new photovoltaic air conditioner is available in three versions with a cooling capacity ranging from 12.1 kW to 16 kW and a heating capacity of 14 kW to 18 kW. It can be used for both residential and commercial applications.

Bosch Home Comfort has presented two new heat pumps series that can be used for both retrofits and new buildings. Both products have a size of a size of ½ to 6 tons and a coefficient of performance of up to 4.9.

ABB says it has launched a smart panel for home energy management in partnership with Lumin, featuring software to control solar, batteries, and electric-vehicle chargers.

The German research institute said the new heat pump was developed in partnership with ZAE Bayern and Mafac E. Schwarz. The system uses propane (R290) as the refrigerant and is suitable for industrial processes with a temperature range of 50 C to 70 C.

The novel heat pump concept combines solar energy with chemical storage and reportedly consume 75% less electricity than conventional heat pumps. The system relies on a battery and a heat storage tank that can be used either separately or simultaneously, depending on the outdoor conditions.

Researchers in Italy have found that combining residential air heat pumps with air-geothermal heat exchangers may reduce power consumption by up to 30%. They tested the proposed combination using Matlab in a passive single-family building located in Valtellina, northern Italy.