Evaluation of engine-driven heat pump systems of small capacities
One generally recognized and immediately available method for conserving the energy used for space conditioning is the heat pump. Studies have shown that among heat pumps, those with certain component characteristics could greatly increase the energy savings usually resulting with heat pumps. One such preferred system recognizes the special operating requirements of a small air-to-air heat pump by utilizing an onsite gas-operated prime mover as the driver. The results of performance evaluations of various systems of this type are discussed, and the consequences of operating residential Rankine and Brayton heat pumps driven by Otto, Stirling, Brayton, and Rankine power subsystems are analyzed. Since some of the candidates have already reached the level of hardware testing, their characteristics are known. These known characteristics and the predicted characteristics are applied to machines with two types of capacity modulation where the onsite recovery of the engine's rejected heat is used in the heating mode. The results show that when compared with an electrically driven, residential heat pump applied to a typical house heat load, the air-to-air heat pump driven by an onsite gas-operated prime mover exhibits superior performance (in terms of seasonal COP), and a possibility of meeting comfort conditions over a wider range of ambient temperatures, especially for the heating mode.
- Research Organization:
- Institute of Gas Technology, Chicago, Ill. (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7330987
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-751119-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Seasonal performance evaluation of small engine-driven heat pumps
Assessment of selected heat-pump systems. Annual report, February 1973-February 1974
Related Subjects
320101* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
AIR CONDITIONING
BUILDINGS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENGINES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT PUMPS
HEATING
HOUSES
OPERATION
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SPACE HEATING
TESTING