| The main objective of the present study is to analyze the performance of a 1 kW solar-assisted vapor compression heat pump installed in module six at the Alberta Home Heating Research Facility to determine the characteristics, limitations, and feasibility of the heating system. The investigation also focuses on the performance of the heat pump evaporator, a solar collector, and presents a detailed set of daily performance data on the heat pump as a basis for future reference.; The analysis was performed based on data collected during the 1986-87 heating season (September '86-March '87). A computer program was used to process and handle the hourly data. Results showed that the average coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump was 2.0 with a maximum of 2.6 at solar radiation levels of at least 600 W/m{dollar}sp2{dollar}. For the period of study, the minimum COP of 1.4 occurred during the night at an ambient temperature of {dollar}-19spcirc{dollar}C. The performance of the unit was indirectly limited by the compressor due to a suction pressure regulator which protected the component from excessive pressures. The solar collector efficiency was found to vary from 0.2 to 0.6 at solar radiation levels of 1000 W/m{dollar}sp2{dollar} and 300 W/m{dollar}sp2{dollar}, respectively.; An economic analysis based on 1993 fuel prices in Alberta, Canada ({dollar}17.67 per GJ of electricity, {dollar}2.639 per GJ of natural gas), indicated that solar-assistance was not feasible for this particular heat pump in this region. Overall, the heat pump was found to be more economically feasible than the electric resistance heater but significantly more expensive than the natural gas furnace. |
