Experimental analysis and modelling of a heat pump for a micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power) cycle

Abstract

The European Union aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The heating and cooling sectors constitute a significant potential to reduce the energy consumption of Europe and to achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction goal. Improving and developing energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies is imperative. This work focuses on a micro-CHP (combined heat and power) system designed for trigeneration (i.e. electricity, heating and cooling production) and, more particularly, on the 50kW R1234yf heat pump of the system. The first objective of this thesis is the characterisation of the heat pump performances in heating mode. A test bench of the unit is built and an experimental campaign is conducted. The effects of the refrigerant charge, the water temperature lift, the superheat and a liquid receiver are assessed. The second objective is the prediction of the performances. For this purpose, a semi-empirical model of the heat pump is built.