Development of Sky-source Heat Pump System

Abstract

In order to realize a decarbonized society, which is an urgent global issue, the introduction of renewable energy is being expanded. Currently, renewable energy is mainly used to create electricity, such as via photovoltaic cells and wind turbines, while the high introductory costs of other renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, is an impediment to its popularization. We have developed a high-efficiency, low-cost “Sky-sourced Heat Pump SystemⓇ (SSHPⓇ)” that utilizes renewable heat, and is operating at a demonstration site in eastern Japan. Unlike conventional air conditioning systems, our SSHPⓇ system is a unique water heat-sourced heat pump system which connects various renewable energy heat sources, such as solar, air, and geothermal heat, with air conditioning units and hot water heat pumps via a heat source water loop. Based on measurements taken from March 19 to August 28, 2022, and system simulations, primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions were significantly reduced by about 22%, or 32% when compared to typical electric heat pumps. The results indicate that the introduction of SSHP is highly effective.