Thermodynamic competitiveness of high temperature vapour compression heat pumps for boilers substitution

Riccardo Bergamini*, Jonas Kjær Jensen, Brian Elmegaard

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

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    Abstract

    Replacement of fossil fuel-fired boilers for generation of high-temperature water and steam is of paramount importance for reaching a fossil-free economy. Heat pumps could be possible substitutes, but the presently marketed solutions are limited to low-temperature applications. This paper compares the thermodynamic performance of various High-Temperature Heat Pumps (HTHP) based on the vapor compression cycle with natural gas boilers for assessing their technical feasibility and competitiveness as future replacements.
    Different cycle configurations and natural refrigerants were compared based on the coefficient of system performance and exergetic efficiency. Moreover, the technical feasibility of the most interesting cycles was discussed based on current technologies. The results showed that HTHP are promising substitutes for gas boilers for heat production of temperatures up to 180 °C.
    In particular, ammonia cycles were preferable for source and sink temperatures lower than 60 °C and 110 °C, respectively, while water was a better-working fluid at higher temperatures. The complete exergy analysis showed different behaviors for various natural refrigerants in the working domain but confirmed the results identified by the energy analysis.
    In any case, the technological analysis showed that further improvement of compressor technologies is required for making these solutions competitive.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of ECOS 2018: 31st International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems
    Number of pages19
    PublisherUniversity of Minho
    Publication date2018
    ISBN (Print)9789729959646
    Publication statusPublished - 2018
    Event31st International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems (ECOS 2018) - Guimaraes, Portugal
    Duration: 17 Jun 201822 Jun 2018

    Conference

    Conference31st International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems (ECOS 2018)
    Country/TerritoryPortugal
    CityGuimaraes
    Period17/06/201822/06/2018

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