Energy capacity reduction of energy storage system in microgrid by use of heat pump: Characteristic study by use of actual machine

The installation of renewable energy sources based generators such as photovoltaic cells and wind turbines require energy storage systems(ESSs) to control power fluctuation. ESSs, however, are quite expensive. In order to reduce the necessary capacity of ESSs for microgrid applications, the control of heat pumps is researched. In this research, basic characteristic of a heat pump's power consumption is measured experimentally by use of heat pump chiller unit used in real building. Using the measured characteristic, a method to reduce the energy capacity of ESS is proposed and studied. The capacity reduction of ESS that can be achieved by use of heat pump control and the effect of control on temperature were calculated using simulations.