Performance analysis of a solar-assisted dual-tank heat pump system for climatic conditions in Turkey

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the performance of a solar-assisted dual-tank heat pump system under climatic conditions in Turkey. This system and its components were modeled and simulated using transient system simulation software. The system was designed not only to supply domestic hot water for a restaurant, but also to heat it in winter and cool it in summer. The modeled system works on the principle that a water-to-water heat pump operating between dual tanks transfers the heat from the cold water tank (source side) to the hot water tank (load side). The hot water for both heating and domestic hot water is supplied from the hot water tank throughout all seasons, whereas, the cold water is supplied from the cold water tank for cooling the space in summer. A photovoltaic thermal collector was integrated into the cold water tank to support the source side of the heat pump and also to generate electricity for the system in winter, but was used only for producing electricity in summer. Analyses were carried out for five provinces (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Hakkari, and Trabzon) located in five different regions of Turkey. According to the simulation results, the highest seasonal performance factor (2.65) was obtained for Izmir, whereas the lowest seasonal performance factor value (1.74) was obtained for Hakkari. The system worked 52% more efficiently in Izmir than in Hakkari. With the photovoltaic thermal collector, 17.68% of the total electrical energy consumption of the system was compensated for Izmir Province and 12.09% for Hakkari Province.