The maximum overall coefficient of performance of a solar-driven heat pump system

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Abstract
The optimal performance of the solar‐driven heat pump system consisting of a solar collector and a three‐heat‐source heat pump is studied, based on the linear heat‐loss model of solar collectors and the general optimum relation of endoreversible three‐heat‐source heat pumps. The overall coefficient of performance of the system is adopted to be an objective function. The optimum operating temperature of the solar collector and the maximum overall coefficient of performance and maximum rate of heat pumping of the system are found. The results obtained here have more realistic meaning than those of classical thermodynamics for the optimal design and operation of practical solar‐driven heat pump systems. Moreover, it is proven that it is not economic to use a solar‐driven heat pump under certain circumstances. Finally, it is expounded that for a solar‐driven heat pump system, the product of the efficiency of the solar collector and the coefficient of performance of the three‐heat‐source heat pump at maximum rate of heat pumping may not be used to calculate the optimal operating temperature of the solar collector and determine the optimal performance of the system.