Optimization of a Geothermal Heat Pump System with Aboveground Water Storage

[摘要] This study investigates and recommends design improvements for a geothermal heat pump system with aboveground water storage.It builds on a previous study that tested a 3-ton geothermal heat pump on a mobile classroom at Wilson Mills Elementary School in Johnston County, North Carolina.The previous experiment used two 1,000 gallon polyethylene bladders filled with saltwater for freeze protection.Using TRNSYS, a model of the original system was constructed and validated by comparing model predictions to measured performance.TRNSYS models of several new designs and theories were constructed to evaluate potential design improvements.The system models were evaluated based on predicted performance for a typical meteorological year, and on other criteria such as initial cost, maintenance, and portability.This resulted in a new optimized system design in which the water storage volume is reduced to 120 gallons, and the predicted electrical energy requirements are about two-thirds of those of an air source heat pump.The predominant design improvement to the system is the implementation of a heat exchanger constructed of PVC pipe.Detailed design, costs, and assembly procedures for the PVC heat exchanger are presented in this study.

[发布机构] University:North Carolina State University

[效力级别] TRNSYS

[关键词] geothermal heat pump;TRNSYS;PVC heat exchanger