Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
6767470 Renewable Energy 2015 6 Pages PDF
Abstract
In this study, a novel solar-assisted auto-cascade heat pump cycle (SAHPC) operating with the zeotropic mixture of R32/R290 for small water heaters is proposed. In the SAHPC system, a cascade heat exchanger (CHEX) associated with a phase separator is used to achieve auto cascade cycle and enhance the overall system performance. The performances of the SAHPC are evaluated by using the developed mathematical model, and then compared with the conventional air-sourced heat pump cycle (CAHPC). Simulation results show the SAHPC has 4.23-9.85% and 4.37-9.68% improvements in COP and volumetric heating capacity compared with those of the CAHPC, respectively, under the same operating conditions. However, the improvement of performance of this novel cycle largely depends on the absorbing heat ratio and the zeotropic composition. It is expected that this new cycle will be beneficial to developing dual-source coupled heat pump applications.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
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