IEA SHC Task 44 - Solar Heating an Cooling Task 44, Solar and Heat Pump Systems

Systems for space heating and domestic hot water preparation bas ed on the combination of solar collectors and heat pumps are currently more and more in demand and are already provided by several manufacturers. However, the integration of a heat pump into a solar system is more complex than with other auxiliary systems, as also the heat source of the heat pump (evaporator cycle) can be connected to the whole system. Additionally to the standard heat sources ambient air and ground heat, the solar collectors or the buffer storage tank can also be used as a source with different possi bilities of hydraulic integrations. Up to now, such systems havent been systematically reviewed regarding the application possibilities, climatic and constructional boundary conditions, different configuration possibilities, optimal control strategies etc.. In the light of rising number of systems offered, but also a significant demand form the market, the need for a competent and independent analysis of these issues is obvious. In order to ensure that the systems available on the market fulfil the goal of a maximum of savings of primary energy, it is urgently necessary to evaluate the quality of the available and installed systems in a scientific way and to compare them among each other and to standard system solutions. Since there is a lack of standardised test methods and methods for the calculation of performance figures, a scientific comparison is not possible. The goal of the Task 44 is to positively and durably influence the momentary market development through collection and analysis of existing experience from different publications, descriptions of available systems and systems under development, measurement data form laboratory tests and field monitorings, modelling and simulation, as well as targeted dissemination of the results to all relevant stakeholders. The main results of this international cooperation are as follows: - Technical reports about measurements of components and systems; - Classification of system configurations with their advantages and disadvantages; - Development of standardised methods for testing and calculation of performance figures, as well as quality labelling; - Development of validated component and system models for the assessment of different system configurations and applications; - Educational material and publication of the main results in a reference Task handbook at the end of the project. Through the participation of national R&D institutions in this project, the results of the activity will be available also for the Austrian industry. This can lead to a substantial increase of competitive position of their products on the demanding international market, especially through close cooperation with the participating Institutions.