Thermodynamic and Economic Analysis of a Novel Solar-Assisted Ground Source Absorption Heat Pump System

Hybrid utilization of solar and geothermal energy is an attractive option to solve the global energy crisis as well as environmental issues. A solar-assisted ground source absorption heat pump (SGSAHP) system is proposed to provide a solution to energy shortage, especially in remote regions without reliable electricity supply. The SGSAHP system requires little electricity input and is able to maximize the use of renewable energy and minimize the peak demand to the power system. The system exploits solar and geothermal energy, which can improve the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system and make it operate with little electricity input. SGSAHP can run under both heating mode and cooling mode. In this paper, a SGSAHP mathematical model is developed and simulation study is conducted including parameter analysis, economic analysis, and system optimization. The results show that there exists an optimal value of the generator temperature to reach the maximum COP, while higher condenser temperature and evaporator temperature have negative and positive influence on system performance, respectively. The optimized thermodynamic and economic performance is obtained. The exergy analysis shows that the major exergy losses are contributed by solar collector and heat exchanger.