An Analytical Model for Mathematical Analysis of Smart Daily Energy Management for Air to Water Heat Pumps

Having a substantial and increasing energy demand for domestic heating world wide together with decreasing availability of fossil fuels, the use of renewable energy sources for heating are becoming important. Especially air to water heat pumps have been suggested as an alternative for domestic heating. Using them the main challenge is to be sensitive to the timing of both the outdoor air temperature and the indoor energy demands in order to minimize the energy usage. Such a heating system should work efficiently and economically, thereby also taking into account comfort for the residents, with minimal human intervention. This paper presents an analytical model that can be used to mathematically analyse how to use energy more efficiently with an air to water heat pump. Results of such an analysis have been compared with another, simulation-based approach which has provided more confidence in the model. The model can be integrated in a smart thermostat to obtain more autonomous behavior for indoor heating demands against the changes in outside air temperature over the time. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.