Performance comparison of direct and flash steam generating heat pump using R1233zd(E) for waste heat recovery

The steam generating heat pump, capable of producing steam from waste heat, is one of the promising technologies for energy conservation and emission reduction in the industrial sector. In this study, a simulation model for the steam generating heat pump is developed and validated using an experimental test rig with R1233zd(E) as the working fluid. The model is utilized to compare the performance of two SGHP system configurations. Each configuration has its own advantages: the steam production of FSGHP is, on average, 3.7 % higher than that of DSGHP, while the COP of DSGHP is, on average, 0.17 higher than that of FSGHP. A new performance evaluation index for SGHP, COP_steam, is proposed. The quantitative impacts of the steam compressor and preheater on the system performance are assessed. The results showed that the introduction of the steam compressor could increase COP_steam by up to 1.2, while the preheater could enhance COP_steam by up to 0.16.