Heat pumps
All Heat pumps news
New optimization method improves heat pump sizing by accounting for part-load efficiency
Austrian researchers have developed an optimization framework that accounts for part-load efficiency when sizing and operating heat pumps, enabling more realistic system planning. A case study in Innsbruck found the approach could cut electricity consumption by 4.5% and annual costs by 2.9%, while relaxed formulations significantly reduced computation times.
Hitachi launches CO2 heat pump water heaters with solar-friendly tariff controls
Hitachi has introduced its Y-series EcoCute CO2 heat pump water heaters in Japan, with 370-liter and 460-liter models set to launch from November 2026.
The upgraded range adds expanded support for daytime electricity tariffs and PV-linked energy management, alongside a five-year manufacturer warranty.
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Optimizing PV-driven heat pump operation for homes with poor thermal insulation
Chinese researchers have proposed a near-zero-energy retrofit for traditional homes on the western Sichuan Plateau, combining rooftop PV with an air-source heat pump. The system could meet winter heating needs with 61 m² of PV and achieve a payback period of about 14 years.
Multi-source heat pump test bench explores coupling with solar, thermal storage
China-based Micronewton has supplied a university laboratory system featuring a water-to-air heat exchanger test bench capable of comparing air-, water- and ground-source heat pump operation. The experimental platform integrates solar generation and thermal energy storage.
Skyven Technologies’ industrial heat pump achieves COP of 8.0
The milestone builds on the demonstration centre’s coefficient of performance (COP) of 6.5 at the time of commissioning last November. The company told pv magazine the result is particularly important for European manufacturers as they can pay up to four times more for steam than those in the US.
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Solar seasonal storage system achieves 4.1 heat pump COP in greenhouse heating
South Korean researchers have demonstrated a small-scale solar seasonal thermal storage system integrated with heat pumps for greenhouse heating over three years. The system achieved average thermal storage efficiency of 55.1%, while the dual-source heat pump recorded an average COP of 4.1.
Clivet launches VRF air-to-air heat pumps with inverter-free PV integration
Clivet’s CVT9 VRF range offers 25.2–45 kW per module and up to 90 kW in two-module configurations. The system reportedly delivers SEER up to 8.58 and SCOP up to 4.93.
Integrated PV management enables direct 400–600 V DC solar input without a conventional PV inverter,
Air-source heat pumps with thermal storage cut upfront costs by 29.7%
Chinese researchers have proposed combining air-source heat pumps with thermal energy storage to shift electricity consumption to off-peak periods and reduce system costs. The system cut upfront investment by 29.7%, annual electricity use by 21.9 MWh, and carbon emissions by 8.8% compared with conventional counterparts.
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