Heat pump application in the chinese market, a review of the recent ten years.

Heat pumps is regarded as a renewable energy technology in China, and it is mainly used in building sector. This paper provides a review of the heat pump implementation for the past ten years in the Chinese market, concentrating on related governmental policy and applications in renewable energy in buildings including green buildings. Both ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and air source heat pumps (ASHP) are reviewed. By analysing the relationship between policy and market, it can be concluded that the heat pump market in China is dominated by governmental financial subsidies. A period of market recession can be expected once the subsidy stops. Heat pumps should be implemented based on specific local conditions and be considered as a part of the energy system. Analysis of the local conditions, system design and construction, and system operation are equally important for a successful heat pump project.