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Solar Thermal Heat Pumps

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Solar thermal heat pumps combine solar thermal collectors with heat pump technology to provide efficient and sustainable heating and cooling for buildings. These systems utilize solar energy to preheat water or a refrigerant, which is then further heated or cooled by the heat pump to meet the desired temperature requirements.

Impact on climate action

Solar Thermal Heat Pumps in the Solar Thermal domain amplify climate action by harnessing solar energy for heating and cooling purposes. By utilizing renewable energy to replace conventional heating systems, these pumps reduce carbon emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable energy usage, mitigating climate change impacts.

Underlying
Technology

  • Solar Thermal Collectors: These collectors capture sunlight and convert it into heat, which is used to preheat water or a refrigerant.
  • Heat Pumps: Heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat from a lower temperature source to a higher temperature sink. In solar thermal heat pump systems, the heat pump extracts heat from the preheated water or refrigerant and raises it to the desired temperature for space heating or hot water production.
  • Thermal Energy Storage: Thermal energy storage systems can be integrated into solar thermal heat pump systems to store excess solar heat for later use, providing a more consistent and reliable heat supply.
  • System Integration and Control: Solar thermal heat pump systems require sophisticated control systems to manage energy flows between the solar collectors, heat pump, storage systems, and building systems.

TRL : 7-8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • High-Efficiency Solar Collectors and Heat Pumps: Innovations in solar collector and heat pump technology are improving the efficiency and performance of solar thermal heat pump systems.
  • Hybrid Solar Thermal-PV Heat Pumps: Combining solar thermal collectors with photovoltaic (PV) panels can provide both heat and electricity for the heat pump, further improving system efficiency and reducing reliance on the grid.
  • Advanced Control Systems: Smart control systems and AI algorithms can optimize the operation of solar thermal heat pump systems, maximizing energy efficiency and ensuring a balanced supply of heat and cooling.
  • Building-Integrated Solar Thermal Heat Pumps: Integrating solar thermal collectors and heat pumps into building systems can create a more streamlined and efficient energy solution for buildings.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Enhanced Solar Collector Technology for Solar Thermal Heat Pumps
  • Advanced Solar Thermal Heat Pump Efficiency
  • Integration of Thermal Energy Storage for Solar Thermal Heat Pumps
  • High-Performance Solar Thermal Heat Pump Designs

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Vaillant:
    • Technology Enhancement: Vaillant is a leading manufacturer of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including solar thermal heat pumps. Their solar thermal heat pumps utilize renewable solar energy to generate heat for residential and commercial heating applications. These systems typically consist of solar collectors, heat pumps, and thermal storage tanks, enabling efficient and sustainable space heating and hot water production.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Vaillant stands out for its expertise in integrated heating solutions and its commitment to sustainability. Their solar thermal heat pumps combine advanced heat pump technology with solar thermal collectors, providing a renewable and efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. Vaillant’s focus on innovation, reliability, and energy efficiency has made them a trusted provider of heating solutions worldwide.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Vaillant serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers seeking environmentally friendly heating solutions. Their solar thermal heat pumps are suitable for various applications, including single-family homes, multi-family buildings, schools, hospitals, and commercial properties, helping customers reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
  • Bosch Thermotechnology:
    • Technology Enhancement: Bosch Thermotechnology is a division of the Bosch Group specializing in heating, cooling, and hot water solutions. They offer solar thermal heat pumps that harness solar energy to provide space heating and domestic hot water. These systems integrate solar collectors, heat pumps, and thermal storage to deliver efficient and sustainable heating solutions for residential and commercial buildings.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Bosch Thermotechnology is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Their solar thermal heat pumps leverage Bosch’s expertise in heat pump technology and solar energy utilization, offering reliable and high-performance heating solutions. The company’s focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility aligns with the growing demand for sustainable heating technologies.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Bosch Thermotechnology serves homeowners, building owners, and construction professionals seeking energy-efficient heating solutions. Their solar thermal heat pumps are suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential houses, apartment buildings, hotels, schools, and commercial facilities, enabling customers to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
  • Stiebel Eltron:
    • Technology Enhancement: Stiebel Eltron is a German manufacturer specializing in renewable energy and heating technology, including solar thermal heat pumps. Their solar thermal heat pumps utilize solar energy to generate heat for space heating and hot water production. These systems integrate solar collectors, heat pumps, and storage tanks, providing sustainable and efficient heating solutions for residential and commercial buildings.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Stiebel Eltron stands out for its long-standing experience in renewable energy and its focus on product innovation and quality. Their solar thermal heat pumps are renowned for their reliability, performance, and energy efficiency, making them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious customers. Stiebel Eltron’s commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction sets them apart in the heating technology market.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Stiebel Eltron serves homeowners, building owners, and construction professionals seeking sustainable heating solutions. Their solar thermal heat pumps are suitable for various applications, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, commercial properties, and industrial facilities, helping customers reduce energy costs and carbon footprint while enhancing comfort and convenience.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Technical University of Munich (TUM):
    • Research Focus: TUM is actively involved in research on Solar Thermal Heat Pumps, focusing on the development and optimization of hybrid systems that combine solar thermal collectors with heat pumps to provide efficient heating, cooling, and hot water solutions for residential and commercial buildings.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves designing novel heat pump architectures, heat exchangers, and control strategies tailored to integrate seamlessly with solar thermal collectors. They explore advanced materials, refrigerants, and thermal storage technologies to enhance system performance, reliability, and energy efficiency in various climatic conditions.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in space heating, domestic hot water production, and process heating. By harnessing solar thermal energy in conjunction with heat pumps, TUM’s research contributes to reducing fossil fuel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy resilience in buildings and industrial facilities.
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):
    • Research Focus: NREL conducts pioneering research on Solar Thermal Heat Pumps, leveraging its expertise in renewable energy technologies, thermal systems, and building energy efficiency to advance the state-of-the-art in solar-assisted heating and cooling systems.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of innovative system designs, component technologies, and performance modeling tools for evaluating the techno-economic feasibility and environmental benefits of solar thermal heat pump systems. They also collaborate with industry partners to demonstrate and validate prototype systems in real-world applications.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, as well as industrial processes requiring high-temperature heat. By promoting the adoption of solar thermal heat pumps, NREL’s research supports the transition to a low-carbon energy future and helps reduce energy costs and dependency on conventional heating and cooling technologies.
  • University of California, Berkeley:
    • Research Focus: UC Berkeley is engaged in innovative research on Solar Thermal Heat Pumps, focusing on developing integrated solutions for renewable heating and cooling that leverage the synergies between solar thermal energy, heat pumps, and thermal energy storage systems.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves investigating advanced system configurations, control algorithms, and building integration strategies to maximize the utilization of solar thermal energy and optimize system performance under dynamic operating conditions. They also explore policy, regulatory, and market barriers to widespread adoption and identify strategies for overcoming them.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in net-zero energy buildings, district heating and cooling networks, and industrial process heat applications. By developing scalable and cost-effective solar thermal heat pump solutions, UC Berkeley’s research contributes to reducing energy consumption, mitigating climate change, and enhancing energy security and resilience.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Solar thermal heat pump systems are commercially available and are being implemented in residential and commercial buildings around the world. They offer a sustainable and efficient heating and cooling solution, particularly in regions with moderate climates and sufficient sunlight.



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