Next generation of heat pumps for buildings based on thermoelectricity integrated with smart grids

Abstract

Abstract This paper proposes a HVAC system that integrates a novel thermoelectric heat pump with a double flux ventilation system and a sensible heat recovery unit able to provide heating, cooling and ventilation to a 74.3m2 pilot passive house in Pamplona (Spain). The heat pump has been previously prototyped and analysed in the laboratory, showing COPs ranging 1.5-4 for heating and 0.5-2 for cooling. This study investigates the energy performance of the combined system (heat pump and ventilation unit) and the comfort conditions of the dwelling one year long, showing the advantages of this technology and the potential integration with PV based building-level smart-grids.