Design and analysis of a hybrid space heating system based on HT-PEM fuel cell and an air source heat pump with a novel heat recovery strategy

•An integrated ASHP-fuel cell system for a residential space heating application is proposed.•Innovative layout to recover heat from different sources and improve ASHP COP.•High-level model-based design and analysis allowed quick yet effective assessment of benefits.•The proposed integrating technology (i.e., HT-PEMFC) helps achieving COP higher than 1.5.•Defrosting issues are mitigated by the adopted configuration and integrating technology.