Comparison of annual performance factors of normatively designed heat pump systems

Heat pumps play a key role in decarbonizing the heat supply for buildings. To exploit heat pump's potential in a resource efficient way, high coefficients of performance (COP) are required. For air-source heat pumps, the COP is subject to outside temperature, building dynamics, and user demands. To achieve high COPs, it is necessary to design heat pumps to meet the demands and to optimize operation in terms of COP. In this study, we compare design methods according to DIN EN 15450 and VDI Guideline 4645. Based on these, heat pump systems (heat pump, auxiliary heater and thermal storages) are designed for an example building, and a controller is set up. Following VDI Guideline 4650, an Annual Performance Factor (APF) is used for comparison on the basis of dynamic simulations. For the same building, the study proves both systems to ensure supply temperatures at APFs about 3.5 to 4. In order to achieve optimal APF, a consideration of operation already in the design should be suggested.