Performance characteristics of HVAC&R systems: A comparison of ground source heat pump and combined heat and power systems

This paper examines the energy performance and the energy related CO₂ emissions of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems in a case study in the UK. The performance of these two systems are assessed through numerical simulation using TRNSYS software and simulation results are verified with the actual data supplied from Facilities Management (FM) department. Due to the significant impacts of global warming mitigation policies on CO₂ emissions associated with building services, the studied sustainable technologies are assessed under nine electricity decarbonisation plans using the UK MARKAL model in both short term (2017 to 2020) and long term (2021 to 2050) periods. The results demonstrate that considering the current carbon intensity of electricity in the UK National grid, CHP system performs better in terms of energy related CO₂ emissions compared to GSHP system. However, considering different electricity decarbonisation scenarios, GSHP system is producing less CO₂ emissions. These results are very significant and applicable to decision makers and policy makers to make an informed decision and select the most appropriate system that performs well under different electricity decarbonisation plans.