Field Study on the Application of Frost-suppression Air-Source Heat Pump Units

Frosting (especially severe frosting) in air-source heat pump (ASHP) units leads to a substantial decrease in operating performance. The development of frost-suppression ASHPs (FSASHPs) is key to ensuring their efficient application and healthy development. In this study, a field test study was conducted using a residential demonstration project in Kangding City, Sichuan Province. The study compared an FSASHP and a conventional ASHP unit to explore the frosting suppression and operating performances and analyze the economy of the FSASHP unit. The results showed that the effects of frosting suppression and the improvement of heating performances were substantial for the FSASHP unit. The coefficients of performance of the FSASHP unit were 21%–37.3% higher, with annual costs 13% lower compared to those of the conventional ASHP unit. The payback period of the FSASHP unit was approximately 1 year, and the FSASHP unit had better technical and economic efficiency. This study was helpful for the efficient application of ASHP units in severe frosting regions.