Energy Efficient Operation of the Open Loop Heat Pump Systems

Abstract

Even if heat pump systems tend to be considered an efficient issue from the energy point of view, when considering the annual COP the building heat losses due to the envelope insulation is determinant for its capacity choice. As the flow rate of the groundwater influences the performance of the system, an analysis is presented to emphasise the importance of the energy consumption of circulatory pumps for the system energy efficiency. An optimum specific groundwater flow rate results together with a building loop return temperature. Variable frequency drive will assure the necessary flow rate for different heating/cooling conditions.