In the quest for more efficient and sustainable energy systems, a groundbreaking study led by Chicherin Stanislav from the Thermo and Fluid Dynamics (FLOW) department at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium is making waves. The research, published in the journal “Environmental and Climate Technologies” (translated from Dutch as “Environmental and Climate Technologies”), focuses on improving the efficiency of booster heat pumps within 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling (5GDHC) systems. The findings could have significant commercial impacts for the energy sector, offering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to heating and cooling.
The study addresses a critical limitation of booster heat pumps: their struggle to achieve high secondary supply temperatures due to declining Carnot efficiency. Carnot efficiency is a measure of the maximum possible efficiency of a heat engine operating between two temperature levels. As temperatures rise, this efficiency decreases, posing a challenge for traditional systems.
Chicherin Stanislav and his team investigated the performance and economic feasibility of integrating booster water-to-water heat pumps into 5GDHC systems. Their focus was on a newly built office building in a moderate climate zone, where the average winter supply temperature is around 50 °C.
“Our research demonstrates that despite a 50% increase in capital expenditures (CapEx), operational expenditures (OpEx) decrease significantly, resulting in an overall cost reduction of 11%,” Chicherin explains. This is a game-changer for the energy sector, as it shows that investing in more advanced technology can lead to long-term savings and improved efficiency.
The study used a methodological framework that assumes idealized system behavior without part-load penalties. It modeled heat pump performance based on Carnot cycle efficiency corrected by a typical Carnot scaling factor (η = 0.6). Key assumptions included fixed building envelope characteristics, specific energy consumption based on energy performance certificates, and cost parameters for standard and advanced heat pumps.
One of the most compelling findings is the significant improvement in seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) by 22% and electricity consumption by 18% when using advanced heat pumps. The SCOP is a measure of the efficiency of a heat pump over a heating season. “Advanced heat pumps with 22% higher efficiency compared to mass-market units show notable improvements,” Chicherin adds.
The research also highlights the potential for maximum COPs of 6.0 in winter and 12.0 in transitional periods. A peak heat demand of 12 MW was covered by 25 booster units averaging 478 kW each, activated when secondary supply temperatures exceed the network temperature.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. The strategic deployment of efficient, electricity-driven booster heat pumps in 5GDHC systems can lead to improved thermal integration and the use of renewable energy sources. This, in turn, reduces energy costs and carbon emissions, enhancing both the energetic and economic performance of the system.
As the world moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, this research offers a promising path forward. By integrating advanced heat pumps into district heating and cooling systems, we can achieve significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The findings from Chicherin Stanislav and his team at VUB could very well shape the future of the energy sector, driving innovation and efficiency in the years to come.
In an era where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are paramount, this study provides a beacon of hope and a roadmap for the future of energy systems. The research, published in “Environmental and Climate Technologies,” is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for transformative change in the energy sector.