Simulations and experiments on a Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater - a comparison between R22 and R290 as working fluid

Abstract

Solar Assisted Heat Pumps (SAHP) use solar irradiation to boost the evaporation temperature. The experimental setup used in this thesis was located in Shanghai in China and heats water for domestic purposes. The experimental rig were built for R22 refrigerant which is targeted for phase-out according to the Montreal Protocol. A simulation model of the test rig was made to compare R290 and R22. Propane is a natural refrigerant having none of the negative effects associated with R22.