Application of seawater source heat pump

Abstract

A seawater source heat pump (SWHP) system refers to a heat pump system which harnesses the ocean's thermal energy as a means of generating renewable energy. The design and application of a SWHP system is discussed, including operational feasibility, system features, system principles and the design method. In addition, based on about one year's worth of operational data, a case study is developed for the system under automatic and variable flowrate operation. Results indicate that a SWHP provides a generally steady and continuous source of heating and cooling, with seawater acting as a stable and reliable heat source and heat sink. In transitional seasons, when a much lower flow is required to satisfy the heating and cooling load of the building space, such a system saves energy because of a system performance factor (PF) of ∼3·83, which is 1·24 times higher than that at the maximum flowrate. This study indicates that it is technically and economically feasible to apply a SWHP system in coastal cities such as Qingdao.