| Abstract: | A solar-assisted heat pump system (SAHPS) for hot-water production has been developed and compared for its experimental performance, under similar ambient conditions with a conventional thermosyphon solar system (CTSS) with a single direct tank. Both systems were monitored from 1993 to 1997 during summer and winter time periods. The performance of CTSS was seriously affected by weather conditions, whereas SAHPS could always operate with no significant variation and with a COP above 3·0. A comparison between the two systems proved the performance of the SAHPS to be better than that of CTSS under all climatic conditions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
