Heat Pump Systems for Heating and Cooling of Buildings

Heating and cooling of buildings represent a high share of the world’s energy use. High-efficiency electric heat pumps are a primary technology driving reduced emissions from heating in the buildings sector. Firstly, the fast ramp-up of heat pumps facilitates a complete phase-out of fossil fuel. Secondly, heat pumps in combination with energy storage can absorb fluctuations in variable renewable generation, such as solar and wind energy. Thirdly, the renovation of the existing buildings stock to the zero-carbon-ready level also enables heat pumps to operate even more efficiently in this segment.

TEP4260 deals with heat pump systems for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly heating and cooling of all kinds of buildings as well as district heating and cooling systems.

1. Introduction to heating and cooling systems based on heat pumps,
2. Thermodynamics for the heat pump process,
3. Working fluids,
4. Main components (compressors, heat exchangers, etc.),
5. Heat sources and heat extraction systems,
6. Heating and cooling power and energy demands in buildings,
7. Dimensioning and design of different heat pump systems,
8. Distribution systems for heating and cooling,
9. Control strategies,
10. Modelling of heat pump systems for building integration,
11. Plant analysis for heat pumps (in residential and non-residential buildings and district heating and cooling systems).

KNOWLEDGE Provide the student with knowledge about:

1. Brief introduction to heating systems based on heat pumps
2. Thermodynamics for the heat pump cycle including the analysis of different heat pump cycles in T-s, T-h and p-h diagrams.
3. Thermodynamic, practical and environmental properties for working fluids.
4. Main components (compressors, heat exchangers, evaporators, condensers and expansion devices) in heat pumps.
5. Heat sources and their systems including seawater, ground water, bedrock, soil, ambient air, ventilation air, grey water and sewage.
6. Power and energy demand for heating and cooling of buildings.
7. Dimensioning, design/construction and control of heat pump plants.
8. Building integration of heat pumps supported by simulation tools.
9. Description of state-of-the-art heat pump installations.

SKILLS The course should enable the student to:

1. Calculate the states, energy flows and COP of heat pump cycles with diagrams or simulation tools (ex. COOLPACK).
2. Calculate the required heating and cooling capacities, COP and seasonal performance factor (SPF) for heat pump systems with analytical methods or simulation tools (eks. IDA ICE).
3. Design heat pump systems on a principle level, i.e. not detailed design of components:
   1. Design adapted to the building power and energy needs.
   2. Design efficient for the different operating conditions (ex. part load).
   3. Design to maximize the energy efficiency of the heat pump unit(s).
4. Carry out simple investment analysis and profitability analysis for heat pump systems.

GENERAL COMPETENCE The course should give the student insight on:

• Can apply holistic design of heating and cooling systems in buildings combining the building energy needs, the heating system and the component levels, typically heat pump unit(s).
• Can apply analytical methods and simulation tools to support the design of heat pump systems.
• Can report on and analyse the key technological properties of heat pump installations and the resulting system performance (energy, COP, SPF, temperature).

Lectures in classroom (via Blackboard Collaborate if necessary), theoretical and simulation exercises, practical exercises in the laboratory and plant visits. 2/3 of exercises must be delivered in time and approved. The lectures and exercises are in English.