Operation of heat pump water heaters for restriction of photovoltaic reverse power flow

Abstract

Japanese government plans to introduce photovoltaic (PV) systems 20-fold by 2020 compared to the 2005 level, and then grid-connected PV systems are expected to increase rapidly. At the same time, however, there is concern that a large scale PV systems introduction might bring an excess of supply when the electricity demand is low such as in spring or autumn in Japan. Meanwhile, heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are highly efficient water heaters and have been introduced rapidly. If hot water is stored in the daytime using HPWHs, it will contribute to absorb economically a part of the excess of PV output. In this paper, we propose a use of residential HPWHs in the daytime as a means of PV reverse power flow restriction. And we evaluate how the difference of the actual demand patterns influences on PV reverse power flow restriction and HPWH power consumption.