Design And Optimization Of A Hybrid Energy System For Decentralized Heating

The performances of a hybrid energy system for decentralized heating are investigated. The proposed energy system consists of a solar collector, an air-source heat pump, a gas-fired boiler and a hot water tank. A mathematical model is developed to predict the operating characteristics of the system. The simulation results are compared with experimental data. Such a comparison indicates that the model accuracy is sufficient. The influence of the flat plate solar collector area on the economic and energy efficiency of such system is also evaluated through numerical simulations. Finally, this system is optimized using the method of orthogonal design. The results clearly demonstrate that the solar-heat pump-gas combined system is more convenient and efficient than the simple gas system and the heat pump-gas combined system, whereas it is less convenient but more efficient than the solar-assisted gas system.