3-E analysis of a heat pump driven by a micro-cogenerator

The cogeneration, or the combined production of electric (and/or mechanical) and thermal energy, is a well established technology, which has important environmental benefits and it has been noted by the European Community as one of the first elements to save primary energy, to avoid network losses and to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the study will be focused on the micro-cogeneration process with micro-combined heat and power system, or MCHP (electric power output ≤ 15 kW), which represents a valid and interesting application of this technology applicable, above all, to residential and light commercial users. This paper presents the Energy, Economic and Environmental (3-E) analysis of a natural gas-fired MCHP in combination with an electric heat pump (EHP). The 3-E analysis of the MCHP/EHP begins with the results of a detailed experimental activity developed in a test facility [1] for a wide range of conditions. Two operating conditions were simulated: a heating mode with co-production of electric and thermal energy, and a cooling mode with co-production of electric, thermal and cooling energy (tri-generation). The annual operating performance, also based on the typical features of the Italian market, is also discussed with a simplified approach. Copyright © 2005 by ASME.