Simulation analysis of a solar-assisted heat pump system for space heating in severe cold areas

Simulation studies were conducted on a solar-assisted heat pump system for space heating. The system has been built and used for providing heating source for an office building in severe cold areas of Daqing, China, and the parameter setting for simulation was based on an actual project condition. In this study, the system principle and operation modes were introduced. The thermal heating performance during the whole heating season was investigated and compared. In addition, the parameter changing and its effects on the system performance were further discussed. Simulation results indicated that the solar fraction were 36% and 39% respectively in December and January and could reach up to 70% or even 100% in the other heating months, with an average value of 64%. The total operation time supplied by solar energy takes a ratio of 70%, while its heating capacity accounts for 50%. The results in this study can be used as a reference and would be helpful for guiding further design and application studies for solar heating projects in the northeast region of China.