Experimental studies of a variable capacity direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump water heater in autumn and winter conditions

• Published in: Solar energy Vol. 170; pp. 352 - 357
• Main Authors: Kong, Xiangqiang, Sun, Penglong, Li, Ying, Jiang, Kailin, Dong, Shandong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2018; Pergamon Press Inc
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Autumn; Capacitors; Direct expansion; Electric power; Evaporation; Evaporators; Experiments; Extreme weather; Gas expanders; Heat exchangers; Heat pumps; Meteorology; Microchannels; Performance evaluation; Pressure; Pumps; Solar assisted heat pump; Solar collectors; Solar energy; Temperature effects; Thermal performance; Water heaters; Water temperature; Winter; Solar assisted heat pump; Direct expansion; Experiments; Thermal performance

•A variable capacity direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump was presented.•An experimental setup of the proposed system was designed and built.•A series of tests were carried out in autumn and winter conditions.•The thermal performance of the system is experimentally investigated. A variable capa...