Comparing the Energetic and Exergetic Performances of a Building Heated by Solar Energy and Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump

Abstract:

In this study, we considered a building, which had a volume of 336 m3 and a floor area of 120 m2, with indoor and outdoor air temperatures of 20 oC and 0 oC, respectively. For heating this building, we selected two options, namely (i) a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump system (Case 1), and (ii) a solar collector heating system (Case 2). We employed both energy and exergy analysis methods to assess their performances and compare them through energy and exergy efficiencies and sustainability index. We also investigated energy and exergy flows for this building and illustrated from the primary energy transformation through the heat production system and a distribution system to a heating system, and from there, via the indoor air, across the building envelope to the surrounding air. We calculated that the total exergy efficiencies for Cases 1 and 2 were 4.7%, and 26.1% while sustainability index values for both cases were 1.049 and 1.353 at a reference (dead) state temperature of 0 oC, respectively.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 347-353)
• Pages: 1801-1805
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.347-353.1801
• Online since: October 2011
• Authors: Arif Hepbasli, Mustafa Tolga Balta, Zeyad Alsuhaibani
• Keywords: Exergy, Geothermal Energy, Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), HVAC, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Sustainability

References

[1] A. Sharma, A. Saxena, A. Sethi, M. Shree and V. Varun. Life cycle assessment of buildings: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 15 (2011), pp.871-875.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2010.09.008

[2] R. Saidur, H.H. Masjuki and M.Y. Jamaluddin. An application of energy and exergy analysis in residential sector of Malaysia. Energy Policy, Vol. 35 (2007), pp.1050-1063.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2006.02.006

[3] B. Kilkis. Exergy aspects of operative temperature and its implications on sustainable building performance. Raising Efficiency to New Levels. New Mexico. ASHRAE Transactions. July (2010).

[4] A. Hepbasli. A key review on exergetic analysis and assessment of renewable energy resources for a sustainable future. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 12(3) (2008), pp.593-661.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2006.10.001

[5] LowEx Network. Lowex Guide Book. Low exergy systems for heating and cooling of buildings guide book. Examples of LowEx buildings. http://www.lowex.net/guidebook/index.htm. 2003. Access date: 25 March 2011.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.138

[6] M.T. Balta, Y. Kalinci and A. Hepbasli. Evaluating a low exergy heating system from the power plant through the heat pump to the building envelope. Energy and Buildings, Vol. 40(10) (2008), pp.1799-1804.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2008.03.008

[7] M.T. Balta, I. Dincer, A. Hepbasli. Performance and sustainability assessment of energy options for building HVAC applications. Energy and Buildings, Vol. 42(8) (2010), pp.1320-1328.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.02.026

[8] H. Caliskan, A. Hepbasli A. Energy and exergy analyses of ice rink buildings at varying reference temperatures. Energy Buildings, Vol. 42(9) (2010), pp.1418-1425.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.03.011

[9] D. Schmidt. Design of low exergy buildings-method and a pre-design tool. International Journal of Low Energy and Sustainable Buildings (2003), pp.1-47.

[10] M.A. Rosen, I. Dincer and M. Kanoglu. Role of exergy in increasing efficiency and sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Energy Policy, Vol 36 (2008), p.128–137.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2007.09.006

[11] T.H. Karakoc. Calculating the Central Heating System, Demirdokum, Publication no. 1, 3rd Edition, 2001 (in Turkish).