Review of Gas Engine Heat Pumps

Abstract

In this paper the most promising developments of technology for gas engine-driven heat pumps for the last 15 years are presented. The purpose is to present the latest research studies and changes in this type of device, as well as to help readers to search for publications containing relevant aspects of gas engine heat pumps. Gas engine-driven heat pumps are devices for parallel heating and cooling production based on compressor heat pump technology. However, unlike heat pumps with compressors powered by electric motors, gas engine-driven heat pumps are driven by gas internal combustion engines. The reviewed solutions are an interesting alternative to traditional heating systems, characterized by the higher than 1.0 Performance Energy Ratio which expresses the degree of conversion of the energy contained in the fuel supplied to the device into energy transported to the utility needs. Presented in this review, papers show different solutions for conversion of the energy contained in the fuel into mechanical and thermal energy, and mechanical energy through the shaft system is used to drive the compressor of the heat pump. The presented study shows that, due to the complexity of the system and the wide range of applications, the technology has been subjected to detailed analyses and optimizations during the last 30 years in order to increase the efficiency of devices.