Performance of a solar assisted heat pump using different refrigerants

Abstract

In this paper, an experimental study on the performance of a direct expansion solar assisted heat pump, (DESAHP), using two different refrigerants is presented. Refrigerants R-22 and R 407C were tested in a solar collector acting as evaporator in a conventional heat pump system. The system thermal performance was determined based on refrigerant flow rate, temperature and pressure in the system under a variety of weather conditions. The results showed good performances for both tested refrigerants. The average coefficient of performance of heating, COP, ranged from 3 to 5 depending on the operating conditions.