Vapor compression multifunctional heat pumps in China: A review of configurations and operational modes

With the growing concerns about worldwide energy and environmental sustainability, heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters became popular in China after 2000. The combinations between the heat pump air conditioner, heat pump water heater and solar water heater brought about more energy saving operational modes besides those included in the above three appliances, which promoted the development of multifunctional heat pumps. The combinations also resulted in the higher utilization ratio and lower operational cost of the heat pump, then the payback time can be shortened greatly. The rapid development of multifunctional heat pumps at the beginning of the 21st century in China indicates its promising application prospect.