Theoretical evaluation of different high-temperature heat pump configurations for low-grade waste heat recovery

The introduction of high-temperature heat pumps for waste heat recovery with low GWP refrigerants can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector. This article evaluates the energy performance and the volumetric heating capacity of five vapour compression system configurations using n-Pentane, Butane, HCFO-1233zd(E) and HFO-1336mzz(Z) as HFC-245fa low GWP alternative fluids for heating production at temperatures of 110, 130 and 150°C and different temperature lifts. The selected architectures and the equations are presented, and the most appropriate method to calculate the intermediate pressure is selected. The results of the simulation show that single-stage cycle with an internal heat exchanger (IHX) becomes the most efficient configuration at lower temperature lifts whereas two-stage cycle with IHX at higher lifts. While n-Pentane provides the highest energy performance values, Butane (only up to 130°C) and HCFO-1233zd(E) highlight in the heating volumetric capacities. HFO-1336mzz(Z) provides intermediate values in both parameters. Consequently, the working fluid selection is highly dependent on the specifications and the energetic and installation costs.