Maximum efficiency and reliability are hallmarks of thermal source networks utilizing heat pump technology.
R744 (CO2) Heat Pumps for Low-Temperature District Energy Systems
District heating systems have been used successfully for hundreds of years, providing greater efficiency through shared thermal networks. But older generations of district energy systems have come with disadvantages.
Often fueled by gas boilers, traditional systems consume a lot of energy, circulating and supplying water at 90°C or higher. Even with insulated pipes, heat loss throughout the network is a major drawback. And because of such high supply temperatures, low-grade heat sources can’t be utilized, resulting in wasted heat.
Low-temperature district energy systems solve these problems as supply temperatures are closer to ambient ground temperatures. This results in minimal heat loss, even with uninsulated pipes. Plus, a variety of low-grade heat sources can be added to the network for enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and heat recovery.
Highlights
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Subcritical R744 operation (about half of typical transcritical operating pressures) with COP (coefficient of performance) values as high as 7.
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Heating plus summer cooling (decentralized heat pumps to lift the supply temperature for heating; direct cooling option using the thermal source network).
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Simpler, lower-cost pipe infrastructure with minimal heat loss.
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More cost-effective implementation of shallow geothermal boreholes by using an R744 heat pump.
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Big reductions in carbon emissions to help meet sustainability goals.