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Characterization, optimization and feasibility analysis of a novel high-temperature heat pump with large temperature differentials for combined cooling and heating supply

Author

Listed:
  • Yang, Lingxiao
  • Wang, Xin
  • Xu, Bo
  • Chen, Zhenqian

Abstract

High-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) experience significant performance degradation when operating under large temperature differentials, which undermines their competitiveness in practical applications. To address these challenges, a novel HTHP system designed for combined cooling and heating (CCH) applications with large temperature differences is proposed. An in-depth characterization, optimization and feasibility analysis of the improved system is conducted, leveraging three HTHP cycles as a control and incorporating an advanced CCH performance indicator. The study demonstrates the following key findings: (1) The proposed system exhibits the highest heating COP, moderate operational stability and heating capacity when operating under large temperature differentials. (2) Under the set specified CCH conditions, the system attains a first-place operational COP of 2.623, surpassing the second-place system by 8.06 % and the lowest-performing system by 20.79 %. This performance level aligns with the heating performance achievable using a 50 °C waste heat source. (3) Through the selection of refrigerant pairs, R152a/R1233zd(E) is found to have relatively optimal CCH performance, with a 5.15 % improvement compared to the initially used R1234ze(E)/R1234ze(Z). (4) Compared to gas boilers, the system presents remarkable economic advantages, achieving payback within five years. Over its lifecycle, the system reduces operational costs by 11.70 % (Beijing), 20.45 % (Guangzhou), and 28.70 % (Singapore), respectively. (5) The CO2 emission level of the system under the set CCH mode reaches that of gas boilers, effectively mitigating the environmental drawbacks associated with HTHPs operating under large temperature differentials.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Lingxiao & Wang, Xin & Xu, Bo & Chen, Zhenqian, 2026. "Characterization, optimization and feasibility analysis of a novel high-temperature heat pump with large temperature differentials for combined cooling and heating supply," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PG).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pg:s0960148125021998
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124535
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