ABSTRAKT

In this study the performance of a reversible ground-source heat pump, coupled to a municipality water reticulation system, is compared experimentally and with simulations to a conventional air-source heat pump for space cooling and heating. A typical municipality water reticulation system comprises hundreds of kilometres of pipes designed in loops that will ensure adequate circulation of the water. This result's in a substantial heat exchanger with great potential. Indirect heat transfer occurs between the refrigerant and ground via the municipality water reticulation system that acts as the water-to- ground heat exchanger. The experimental and simulated comparisons of the ground-source system to the air-source system are conducted in both the cooling and heating cycles. Climatalogical statistics are used to calculate the capacities and coefficients of performance of the ground-source and air-source heat pumps. Results obtained from measurements and simulations indicate that the utilization of municipality water reticulation systems as a heat source/sink is a viable method of optimizing energy usage in the air-conditioning industry, especially when used in the heating mode.