Short-term thermal energy storage as a means of reducing the heat pump capacity required for domestic central heating systems

Abstract

The effects upon the economics, size and performances of domestic central heating heat pumps by the incorporation of some thermal energy storage between the heat pump and the heat distribution system are studied with the aid of computer simulation programs. It is demonstrated that significant reductions in the capacity of the heat pump and system annual running costs can be made by using moderate quantities of heat storage without causing any detriment to the overall performance of the heating system. The results are being validated in the laboratory, where a phase-change material thermal energy store is linked to a heat pump and heat distribution system, and the performance of this system is being monitored.