Work

A Comparative Analysis of a Direct Expansion Solar-Assisted Heat Pump with and Without Photovoltaic Cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative analysis of direct expansion solar-assisted heat pumps (DX-SAHP) with and without photovoltaic cells (PVT-DX-SAHP). Two sets of experiments were conducted to validate the mathematical model: one with PVT-DX-SAHP and another with DX-SAHP. The mathematical model used in this study is based on physical equations using energy, mass, and entropy balance. The heat exchangers were modeled using the moving boundaries technique. The compressor and photovoltaic cells were modeled using a black box model with equations for the efficiencies of these components. The low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant R290 (propane) was used in this study. Two independent sets of experimental data were used to validate the model, with a mean absolute deviation of 4.8%. The results indicated that PVT-DX-SAHP had a higher season performance factor (SPF) and a lower total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) compared to DX-SAHP, with an average SPF increase of 81% and a TEWI reduction of 30%. The findings also showed that PVT-DX-SAHP had a 24% higher longer payback period than DX-SAHP.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr14040691

Authors: Filipe N. Carvalho, Tiago F. Paulino, Samer Sawalha, Antônio A. T. Maia, Willian M. Duarte

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896