Direct Expansion PVT

Dual-Source Heat Pumps

Roof-Integrated Solar Evaporator

Direct-expansion photovoltaic thermal collectors designed to operate as an active evaporator source for modern heat pump systems.

Transform the Roof into a Heat Pump Energy Source

The SPVT Series combines:

  • High-efficiency photovoltaic generation
  • Refrigerant direct-expansion thermal recovery
  • Heat pump evaporator functionality
  • Roof-integrated renewable heat source design

Unlike conventional PV modules, the SPVT Series actively participates in the refrigeration cycle of the heat pump system

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What Makes DX PVT Different?

Designed for Dual-Source Heat Pump Systems

Traditional hydronic PVT

Water / Brine,Water-Glycol Mixture / Antifreeze

PVT

Brine Loop

Buffer Tank

GSHP

Floor Heating

DX PVT

R410a/R290,Re  frigerant Direct Expansion

This allows the panel to operate directly as: A heat pump evaporator

DX PVT Evaporator
+
Air Source Coil

Dual-Source Controller

Compressor

Heating / DHW

Roof DX PVT
+
Outdoor Air Coil

Electronic Expansion Valve

Compressor

Hydronic Heating System

DX PVT
+
Air
+
Ambient Heat

Multi-source Evaporation

Why Use DX PVT?

Stable Winter Heat Source Support.

Even under low ambient conditions, the roof surface can still provide recoverable thermal energy through:

  • Solar radiation
  • Ambient heat
  • Sky radiation
  • Roof thermal accumulation
  •  
  • Reduced Frostingn

More Than a Solar Panel.

The SPVT Series is not only a photovoltaic module. It is: A roof-integrated solar evaporator, designed for renewable heat pump systems.

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Reduced Frosting

Compared with conventional air-source heat pumps, DX PVT systems can help reduce:

Higher Heat Pump Efficiency

The SPVT Series is designed to improve evaporator operating conditions and support higher seasonal performance. Typical system architecture may achieve:
The datasheet indicates system COP improvement potential compared with conventional air-source heat pumps.

Photovoltaic Specifications

Parameter Symbol 450W 455W 460W Unit
Output at STC
Peak power (STC) Pmax 450 455 460 W
Power tolerance ΔP 0 ~ +5 0 ~ +5 0 ~ +5 W
Module efficiency ηel 22.5 22.8 23.0 %

Note on STC vs field performance: The NOCT of 42 °C — lower than a typical uncooled PV module (~44–48 °C) — reflects active refrigerant cooling of the cell rear during heat pump operation. Under field conditions with the refrigerant circuit active, cell operating temperature will be lower than STC projections, and actual electrical yield will exceed STC ratings by a measurable margin.

Thermal Output

1350 W from a single panel

The thermal figure represents the heat extracted from the roof environment and transferred to the refrigerant circuit under rated conditions. It is the energy input to the heat pump’s evaporator side — not useful heat delivered to the building.

Parameter Value Unit
Thermal evaporation output (rated) 1350 W / panel
Refrigerant medium R410a / R290
Thermal inlet connection 1/4″ Male Thread
Thermal outlet connection 3/8″ Male Thread
Stagnation temperature (no flow) 75.6 °C
Operational temperature range −40 ~ +85 °C

Evaporator function explained: Refrigerant enters the panel absorber channels as a low-pressure liquid and evaporates as it absorbs heat from the panel surface. The vapour then passes to the compressor. This is the same thermodynamic process as a conventional ASHP outdoor unit — the difference is that the heat source includes direct solar irradiation, which a finned air coil cannot capture. On sunny winter days, evaporation conditions can be significantly better than ambient temperature alone would suggest.

Mechanical Specifications

Parameter Symbol Value Unit
Dimensions
Height × Width × Depth H×W×D 1762 × 1134 × 35 mm
Weight m 35 kg
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Typical Applications

Dual-Source Heat Pumps

Combine: DX PVT evaporator Air-source evaporator Intelligent source switching for optimized seasonal performance.

Low-Noise Heat Pump Systems

Reduce outdoor fan dependence and support quieter operation.

Renewable Heating Projects
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Direct Expansion Refrigerant Circuit

Product Features

The SPVT uses:

  • Refrigerant direct-expansion architecture
  • Blow-formed aluminum thermal structure
  • Integrated evaporator functionality
  • Roof-based thermal absorption

Roof-Integrated Energy Platform

Generate:

Energy Type Function
Electricity Building power generation
Thermal Energy Heat pump evaporation source

Improved Roof Utilization

Generate electricity while simultaneously supporting heat pump operation.

Hybrid Source Compatibility

Compatible with:

  • Air-source heat pumps
  • Dual-source systems
  • Hybrid evaporator configurations

Reduced Defrost Cycles

Support more stable low-temperature operation during winter periods.

Higher Seasonal Efficiency Potential

Improve evaporator source conditions and optimize compressor runtime.

The SPVT Series is designed for

Future of Heat Pumps

  • The SPVT Series is designed for integration with:

Electronic expansion valve control

  • Dual-source heat pump logic
  • Refrigerant routing systems
  • Variable operating conditions
  • Low ambient evaporation strategies

 

As heat pump systems evolve beyond conventional air-source architectures, DX PVT technology enables:

  • Roof-integrated evaporation
  • Hybrid renewable heat sourcing
  • Reduced winter performance degradation
  • More stable low-temperature operation
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Important — F-gas regulation (EU 517/2014): Installation, commissioning, and servicing of refrigerant circuits using R410a or R290 in the EU requires a certified F-gas technician. R290 (propane) requires additional safety precautions due to flammability. Check local regulations before specifying refrigerant type.

Installation Notes

What installers need to know

Refrigerant connections

1/4″ inlet · 3/8″ outlet (Male thread)
Copper refrigerant pipe. Flared or braised connection. Confirm fitting standard with your refrigerant contractor.

Refrigerant type

R410a or R290
Specify on order. R290 (propane) requires F-gas certified installer in EU. R410a is more widely available for field service.

Pressure test

6.6 MPa (factory tested)
Field pressure test per local refrigerant code before charging. Temperature uniformity test data available in full datasheet.

Heat pump compatibility

Dual-source or DX ASHP
Requires heat pump with a dedicated DX evaporator port or dual-source refrigerant circuit. Not compatible with indirect brine-only heat pumps without modification.

Pipe routing

2 roof penetrations per string
Refrigerant supply and return. Pipe insulation required to minimise heat gain/loss between roof and compressor unit.

System design required

Refrigerant charge + EEV sizing
Panel count, pipe run length, and compressor capacity determine refrigerant charge and expansion valve setting. We provide application notes on request.