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Design and operation of hybrid ground source heat pump systems: A review

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  • Wang, J.L.
  • Yan, Ting
  • Tang, Xin
  • Pan, W.G.

Abstract

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology as an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling systems has gained widespread attention. However, issues such as soil thermal imbalance and high investment costs have limited its large-scale application. Hybrid ground source heat pump (HGSHP) systems integrate renewable energy sources such as solar power, alleviating environmental concerns associated with single GSHP operation and further enhancing the system performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview from the perspectives of design, configuration, and intelligent control optimization on how to enhance the coupling effects between GSHP systems and auxiliary systems including renewable energy systems and control systems to guarantee the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability of hybrid systems. In terms of design optimization, the selection of key parameters such as heat exchanger layout and fluid circulation paths have been described in detail to ensure that the size of the HGSHP system can effectively meet the load demands. Regarding the configuration optimization, the appropriate configurations forms of ground source and auxiliary energy are selected based on the different climatic conditions and energy supply situations to maximize the system's energy utilization efficiency. For the intelligent control optimization, the advanced control algorithms and intelligent control strategies available to predict, monitor, and adjust the system's operational status have been elaborated for intelligent management and optimization of energy utilization. Through the comprehensive optimization strategies, the HGSHP system can offers the robust support for low-carbon sustainable building energy utilization. It is expected that this timely review and summaries of research progress in this field can provide some rewarding insights for future investigations of HGSHP and promote the wider application of HGSHP systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, J.L. & Yan, Ting & Tang, Xin & Pan, W.G., 2025. "Design and operation of hybrid ground source heat pump systems: A review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 316(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:316:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225001793
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134537
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