Work

Techno-economic and environmental assessment of a moderately high-temperature heat pump prototype using R-450A across diverse operational conditions and heat sources

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Decarbonizing the industrial sector requires the adoption of efficient electric-driven energy conversion systems, and high-temperature heat pumps may offer a viable alternative. This study presents an energy, environmental, and economic assessment of an industrial heat pump prototype using R-450A for 85 °C process heating, comparing it with a traditional natural gas-fired boiler. Twenty-seven steady-state heat pump operational conditions are examined. Simulation analysis is then performed across thirty-two scenarios using multi-variable linear regression models built on the results of experimental tests. The conditions investigated vary in heat pump control strategy, configuration (with or without an internal heat exchanger), and heat source (different generations of district heating networks, district cooling networks, or air). One-year-long simulations are carried out on an hourly basis, considering the air-source heat pump installed in six Italian cities. The results highlight that maximizing compressor frequency reduces heat pump performance, which also decreases with an increasing pressure ratio when the condensation temperature is set. While carbon dioxide emissions are always avoided compared to the traditional boiler, a trade-off is required between the heat pump's energy, environmental, and economic performance. The best-performing configuration results in approximately 5 % primary energy saving, 31 % carbon dioxide emissions avoided, and 30 % operational cost reduction. • Experimental analysis of a moderately high-temperature heat pump using R-450A. • Multi-variable empirical modelling based on the results of experimental tests. • Evaporation and condensation temperatures up to 40 and 85 °C, respectively. • Best performance achieved with controlled heating capacity and internal heat exchanger on.

Source: Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136008

Authors: Giovanna Pallotta, Ghad Alarnaot-Alarnaout, Elisa Marrasso, Maurizio Sasso, Joaquin Navarro-Esbrí, Adrián Mota-Babiloni

Institutions: University of Sannio, Universitat Jaume I

Language: English

Topic: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,260