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A small ammonia heat pump using linear compressor

Author

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  • Qian, Nibin
  • Yang, Chunhui
  • Li, Zhaohua
  • Liang, Kun
  • Zhu, Zhennan
  • Chen, Xinwen

Abstract

The electrification of space heating and hot water via heat pumps is a widely pursued policy aim but field trials demonstrate poorer seasonal performance than anticipated. Linear compressors without crank mechanism can be oil-free. The potential for capacity modulation by adjusting the compressor stroke offers significant advantages over traditional methods including on-off control and variable frequency given that heat pumps operate at part load most of time. R717 (ammonia) has superior latent heat which offers a higher heating capacity compared to R134a, making it a very promising refrigerant for small heat pumps but there is no compatible compressor due to corrosivity. This paper introduces a novel small ammonia heat pump using an oil-free linear compressor technology that is compatible with R717. A numerical model was established to predict the heat pump baseline performance. The outcomes show a linear relation for specific power input, heating capacity, and Coefficient of Performance (COP) against ambient temperature. The system can achieve COP of 2 when ambient temperature is 0 °C. With linear compressor, there will be no on-off cycling for heat pumps so that the seasonal COP will be significantly higher than on-off control and variable frequency drive systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian, Nibin & Yang, Chunhui & Li, Zhaohua & Liang, Kun & Zhu, Zhennan & Chen, Xinwen, 2024. "A small ammonia heat pump using linear compressor," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:293:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224005395
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.130767
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shackleton, R.J. & Probert, S.D. & Mead, A.K. & Robinson, A., 1994. "Future prospects for the electric heat-pump," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 49(3), pages 223-254.
    2. Liang, Kun, 2018. "Analysis of oil-free linear compressor operated at high pressure ratios for household refrigeration," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 324-331.
    3. Wu, Di & Hu, Bin & Wang, R.Z., 2021. "Vapor compression heat pumps with pure Low-GWP refrigerants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    4. Zhang, Hongyu & Zhou, Li & Huang, Xiaodan & Zhang, Xiliang, 2019. "Decarbonizing a large City's heating system using heat pumps: A case study of Beijing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
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    1. Li, Zhaohua & Ji, Zhongfu & Yan, Zhe & Hu, Binbin & Liu, Tao & Chen, Xinwen & Liang, Kun, 2025. "Efficiency analysis of a R290 heat pump system using linear compressor with different piston offset control methods," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 330(C).
    2. Qian, Nibin & Xu, Chantong & Chen, Xinwen & Li, Zhaohua & Liang, Kun, 2025. "Modelling of a two-stage-compression Joule-Thomson cryocooler using mixed refrigerants at 50 K," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).

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