Multi-objective optimization of an absorption solar-ground source heat pump considering the environmental and economic performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Solar heat pump has attracted more and more attention. This paper aims to improve the performance of an absorption solar-ground source heat pump (ASGSHP) through multi-objective optimization. Firstly, a double-effect absorption heat pump module is developed and a simulation model of the ASGSHP is established on TRNSYS platform. Secondly, considering both the economy and the environmental protection, the equivalent uniform annual cost (EUAC) and the environmental impact load (EIL) are taken as two objective functions. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with elite strategy (NSGA-II) is applied to optimize the environmental and economic performance of the ASGSHP by TRNSYS and MATLAB joint. Pareto front of the multi-objective optimization of the ASGSHP system is obtained. Thirdly, using the TOPSIS decision-making method, the best optimization values for three optimization variables including the solar collector area, the storage tank volume and the setting temperature of the auxiliary heater are obtained. The optimization rate of the environmental impact load and the equivalent uniform annual cost of the optimal point selected by the TOPSIS decision-making method is 10.9% and 3.4%, respectively. The research results can provide the basic data and theoretical guidance for the further development and utilization of the solar-ground source heat pump.