Substantiation of Optimal Parameters for Managing a Hybrid Heat Pump Scheme

Abstract

This study examines and refines non-traditional heating approaches based on the integration of heat pump technology with renewable energy sources. A critical analysis of both existing implementations and proposed designs of energy-efficient heating systems has been conducted, emphasizing the potential for performance improvement through hybrid configurations. A novel solution is proposed involving the incorporation of solar collectors and thermal accumulators into a heat pump-based heating system, enabling efficient utilization of solar energy as a supplementary heat source. An algorithmic framework and a set of analytical expressions have been developed to determine the optimal values of key design parameters, including the effective surface area of the solar collector and the volume of the thermal accumulator. These parameters serve as the foundation for calculating the core thermodynamic and operational characteristics of the proposed hybrid system. To ensure the technical soundness of the solution, a mathematical model has been constructed to simulate thermodynamic and heat-exchange processes within the hybrid configuration. An automated calculation procedure has been implemented to support system design and parameter optimization, allowing for robust performance assessments under varying operational conditions. The simulation and analytical results confirm that the proposed hybrid heat pump heating scheme achieves up to 1.5 times greater energy efficiency compared to conventional ground-source heat pump systems. The findings substantiate the rationality of integrating renewable sources into heat pump systems and demonstrate a viable pathway for enhancing energy performance in sustainable building heating applications.