Numerical Simulation of a Radiant Heating System Using Solar-Ground Coupled Heat Pump with Seasonal Thermal Storage

To apply the solar-ground coupled heat pump (SGCHP) in severe cold areas, this paper presents the simulation study on a radiant heating system using SGCHP with seasonal thermal storage. The radiant heating system was installed in a detached house in the suburbs of Harbin (126°46´E, 45°45´N). The unit model of each component was given. The performance and operation characteristics of the system were analyzed by simulation. The simulation results show that the system can meet the heating requirements of detached houses in severe cold areas. The heat pump had a relatively higher average COP 4.04. At the same time, the solar energy supplied 44.38% of the total heating output, which greatly saved electricity and raised the heating COP of system. By this method, the ground loads can be balanced through solar seasonal thermal storage as well as the soil temperature can be raised. It should be emphasized that the radiant floor plays an important role in the system.