Energy and economic comparisons of solar assisted alternative heating systems

In this study, a three-storey building which has underfloor heating system with respectively solar assisted air-source heat pump and solar assisted ground source heat pump were analyzed separately. The systems were compared in terms of energy and economy . For designing the systems TS 2164 and TS 825 standards were used. Suitability of the building TS 825 was confirmed by the İZODER analysis program. Solar energy system that was used in the house was simulated by T*SOL Pro 4.5 software program. Respectively, solar assisted air source heat pump and solar assisted ground source heat pump system was used as the space heating system for the building. 40 oC/ 30 oC operating temperature range of the heat pumps was designed as the secondary side (between underfloor heating systems and heat pumps). Heat pumps have met the building?s space heating demand, in addition this solar energy panels supported system especially in the autumn and spring seasons. Domestic heat water demand primarily produced by solar energy and supported by the heat pump in both system. Hence for the building?s heat demand no fossil fuel energy source was used. This study was conducted in Ankara, where very cold winters are common, to show the performance of the solar assisted air source heat pump and solar assisted ground source heat pump under these difficult environmental conditions.As a result, solar assisted ground source heat pump operating cost is much more economical than a standard boiler. However, solar assisted air source heat pump operating costs are higher than the other two. Investment costs are examined, solar assisted ground source heat pump system seems to own the highest investment cost, while investment cost of standard boiler system is the lowest. Payback period is calculated according to the standard boiler. Solar assisted air source heat pump system operating cost is higher than the standard boiler system so the period of payback of this system is not calculated. However, solar assisted ground source heat pump which is more economical according the boiler operating cost is calculated as the payback period of 21 years.Key Words : Solar energy, air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, space heating support, solar assisted heat pump