Analysis of a solar assisted heat pump system for indoor swimming pool water and space heating

Solar energy application is a good alternative to replace primary energy source especially for large-scale installations. Heat pumps are also effective means to reduce primary energy consumption. This paper describes a case study with a new design of solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) for indoor swimming pool space- and water-heating purposes. The system design procedure was first presented. The entire system was then modeled via the TRNSYS simulation environment and the energy performance was evaluated based on the winter time operation schedule. Economic analysis with a range of collector areas was also performed. The simulation results show that the overall system COP can reach 4.5, and the fractional factor of energy saving is 79% as compared to the conventional energy system. The economical payback period is less than 5. years. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.