In the heart of Weihai, Shandong Province, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of air source heat pump (ASHP) arrays, with significant implications for the energy sector. Led by LIANG Shimin, this research delves into the complex interactions between the “cold-wet island effect” and the frosting-defrosting phenomenon, shedding light on challenges and opportunities for large-scale heating projects.
As ASHP systems gain traction for their energy efficiency and environmental benefits, the arrangement of these units in arrays has become a staple for medium to large-scale heating initiatives. However, this configuration brings its own set of challenges, particularly the formation of “cold” and “wet” islands at the center of the arrays. These islands, characterized by lower temperatures and higher humidity, lead to frequent frosting and defrosting of the heat pump units, creating a vicious cycle that impacts performance.
LIANG Shimin’s study, recently published, provides a deep dive into this interplay. “The defrosting frequency of units at the center of the array increased by 225% compared to those on the periphery,” LIANG Shimin explained. This frequent defrosting doesn’t just affect the units’ performance; it also alters the intensity of the cold and wet island effects, albeit slightly. More significantly, the central units experience a substantial performance degradation, with a 31.6% decrease in average heating capacity and a 34.0% drop in Coefficient of Performance (COP) compared to peripheral units.
The implications of this research are vast for the energy sector. As ASHP arrays become more prevalent, understanding and mitigating these effects will be crucial for optimizing performance and energy efficiency. The findings could pave the way for innovative designs and operational strategies to minimize the cold-wet island effect and reduce the frequency of frosting and defrosting.
Moreover, this study provides a quantitative basis for future research and development. By quantifying the mutual influence between the cold-wet island effect and the frosting-defrosting processes, LIANG Shimin’s work offers a solid foundation for engineers and researchers to build upon. This could lead to advancements in ASHP technology, making them more reliable and efficient for large-scale applications.
The study, published in Zhileng xuebao, which translates to the Journal of Building Science and Technology, marks a significant step forward in ASHP research. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such insights will be invaluable in driving innovation and improving the efficiency of heating systems. The future of ASHP arrays looks promising, with this research lighting the way for more effective and efficient heating solutions.
