A novel plant configuration for solar-assisted heat pumps in cold climates: energy evaluations

The environmental challenge occupies a prominent place in the world panorama. On the other hand, the energy demand growth has to convey energy consumption towards a sustainable development model that promotes renewable energy sources. In this context, the construction sector plays a crucial role because it impacts considerably on the external environment, being responsible in the EU for 39.7% of the energy consumption of final uses and 36% of the greenhouse gas emissions. In this field, to develop pragmatic solutions to limit these percentages, HEAT PUMPS can play a strategic role. Indeed, these devices can lead to exploiting renewable energy sources, including aerothermal, hydrothermal, geothermal and solar energy. In the latter case, heat pumps are integrated with active solar systems to obtain the so-called “Solar-assisted Heat Pumps” (SAPH).