A research team from Western University in Canada has successfully developed a residential energy system that integrates photovoltaic technology, heat pumps, and thermal batteries. This integrated system aims to achieve full electrification of buildings and efficient energy utilization, providing a practical reference for exploring net-zero energy residential solutions.

The project is led by Professor Joshua Pearce from the Faculty of Engineering and Ivey Business School, along with PhD candidate Shafquat Rana, in collaboration with multiple engineering experts and representatives from construction companies. The research team used a two-story residence in the Komoka area of Ontario as an experimental platform, collecting data through actual operation. Preliminary monitoring data shows that the integrated system can reduce household electricity costs by 45% and cut carbon emissions by 55%.

The system employs thermal batteries made of phase change materials to store thermal energy, increasing the self-consumption rate of solar photovoltaic power generation by 60%. Professor Pearce noted: "Solar energy costs are now lower than grid electricity costs, making solar a feasible and ideal choice for most Canadians. This project integrates solar panels, heat pumps, and thermal batteries to provide thermal energy for the entire home's heating and domestic hot water needs."

The research team optimized heat pump operation strategies to achieve four times the energy efficiency of traditional methods. Electricity generated by solar panels drives the heat pump for heating, with the thermal energy stored in the thermal battery for later use. Rana stated: "Our goal is to validate the system's effectiveness within one year, with the ultimate aim of completely eliminating the need for fossil fuels in household heating. Once validated, we hope to promote this system to other Canadian homes."

To obtain comparative data, the research team simultaneously monitored similar residences in the same community without the system installed. Builder Jamie Kern said: "Observing the balance of household energy production and consumption is of great value. Many homeowners have yet to fully recognize their role in energy consumption, and this awareness is crucial for sustainable development."

Research progress on this residential energy system has been published in multiple academic journals, including Energy and Energy and Buildings. The research team believes that achieving household electrification through renewable energy is one viable pathway to advancing sustainable development in the building sector.