Development of a new generation of high efficiency heat pumps using pre-heated air supply

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This project is a feasibility study into the proposal of using solar collectors which when integrated into buildings can prewarm the air fed into ASHP (Air Source Heat Pumps)Pre-feasibility modelling indicates that by using solar air collectors to pre-heat the air supply to specially optimised ASHPswe will be able to increase the efficiency of ASHPs to the extent that 1) the carbon emissions (per kWh of heat) from theiruse will be significantly lower than the emissions associated with energy efficient gas boilers and 2) the cost of heat will(within the 2020s) become lower than that from efficient gas boilers.The findings could therefore lead to a step-change in the competitiveness of ASHPs relative to gas boilers. This willaccelerate the mainstream deployment of ASHPs in the UK, initially within new build housing and new commercialbuildings and subsequently into the existing UK building stock.The project will specifically investigate:Appraisal of system design optionsDevelopment of a detailed thermodynamic system design model and demand-side model(s),Formulation of control and modulation strategiesInvestigation into optimisation of system components (with particular attention to working fluids, fluid flow rates, heatexchanger and controller)Calculation of theoretical system performance in different climates and undertaking of cost benefit and benchmarkinganalysis.This project will contribute towards addressing the UK's energy trilemma by reducing emissions by leading to a supply ofrenewable heat with lower carbon emissions than mains gas and of renewable cooling with significantly lower emissionsthan electricity powered compressor-based cooling systems; improving security of supply by significantly reducing demandfor fossil fuels; and reducing cost by providing a high-efficiency ASHP capable of generating heat (for space heating, waterheating and cooling) at a lower cost than both mains gas and other renewable energy/"clean energy" options.