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Energy, exergy and economic analysis of a dual-nozzle ejector-enhanced high-temperature heat pump cycle

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  • Wan, Jiahao
  • Bai, Tao
  • Wen, Zhidong

Abstract

High-temperature heat pump technology (HTHP) represents an effective approach for improving energy utilization efficiency. However, current HTHP systems confront two critical technical challenges: inefficient thermal matching during heat exchange and substantial throttling losses in the expansion process. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an dual-nozzle ejector-enhanced heat pump cycle (MEHPC). The modified cycle incorporates intermediate-pressure vapor extraction from the compressor to enable staged pressure heat exchange, thereby reducing thermal matching losses, and employs a dual-nozzle ejector to recover expansion work from the driving fluid with different energy grades. Baed on comprehensive theoretical analysis using energy, exergy, and economic models, the MEHPC shows superior performance compared to both conventional ejector-enhanced (EHPC) and basic heat pump cycles (HPC). The MEHPC increased the COP by 30.9–47.4 % and 23.2–31.3 %; enhanced exergy efficiency by 20.1–26.8 % and 14.7–20.6 %; and reduced the unit exergy production cost by 10.4 % and 7.2 %, relative to HPC and EHPC, respectively. This cycle modification consequently presents a promising solution for enhancing high-temperature heat pump efficiency through improved thermodynamic performance and economic viability.

Suggested Citation

  • Wan, Jiahao & Bai, Tao & Wen, Zhidong, 2025. "Energy, exergy and economic analysis of a dual-nozzle ejector-enhanced high-temperature heat pump cycle," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225042057
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138563
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    References listed on IDEAS

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