Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a heat pump water heater (HPWH) system that enables homes and businesses to maintain a steady supply of hot water while optimizing energy usage from both solar panels and conventional power sources. Cost-efficient and easily implemented, the new Photovoltaic-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater system operates with standard heat pump water heaters and PV modules. Key to the system is a customizable and programmable controller that allows extended thermal energy storage that can displace, shift and save electricity.
Technical Details
The invention comprises the following:
- At least two PV modules and microinverters for collecting sunlight and producing solar power
- A commercially available heat pump water heater ( electricity from a power grid)
- An electronic, customizable smart controller with a unique algorithm that enables the system to interface with and dynamically switch between solar resources and the resistive heating system connected to the conventional power grid. The controller works to consume or store all energy into the system as hot water to avoid having to export power back into the grid.
In one example use of the system, its 1-year averaged coefficient of performance (COP) was 5.4 and a daily average grid-energy consumption of only 1.2-kilowatt hours per day. The system easily provides hot water for a family of four (59 gallons per day) regulating delivery temperatures to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Benefit
Highly energy efficient, reliable and cost-effectiveConsumes less grid power than standard HPWHs and sends less PV power to the gridCustomizable and programmable controller that allows extended thermal energy storage that can displace, shift and save electricityMarket Application
Residential or commercial water heating (such as single-family homes, hospitals and restaurants)Supplemental cooling/dehumidification
Brochure
