IMPROVEMENT OF THE COP OF VAPOUR COMPRESSION HEAT PUMPS BY USING A NEW CYCLE.

Objective

THE PROGRAMME AIMS AT INCREASING HEAT PUMP AND REFRIGERATOR PLANT PERFORMANCE THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPROVED METHODS OF CONTRO, THROUGH THE USE OF AN IMPROVED OPERATING CYCLE, THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS IN EVAPORATOR DESIGN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GAINS TO BE ACHIEVED FROM OPERATING AT VERY LOW SUPERHEAT LEVELS, AND THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PROCESSES TAKING PLACE IN THE EVAPORATOR AND COMPRESSOR. ALL OF THESE MEASURES ARE CLEARLY INNOVATIVE IN NATURE AS THEY SPRING FROM WORK WHICH WAS ALREADY AT THE FOREFRONT OF KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING VAPOUR COMPRESSION MACHINES. IF SUCCESSFUL, THEN THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE ACTION FOR HEAT PUMP DESIGN AND MARKET PROSPECTS ARE IMMENSE. THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT WILL BE IMPROVED BY AT LEAST 25%, AND PROBABLY MUCH MORE. THIS WILL TRANSFORM THE EUROPEAN MARKET POTENTIAL FOR HEAT PUMPS AND WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE PROSPECTS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BOTH THE DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.

THE PROJECT AIMS TO INCREASE HEAT PUMP PERFORMANCE THROUGH IMPROVED METHODS OF CONTROL, THROUGH THE USE OF AN IMPROVED OPERATING CYCLE, THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS IN EVAPORATOR DESIGN TO OPERATE AT VERY LOW SUPERHEAT LEVELS, AND THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PROCESSES TAKING PLACE IN THE EVAPORATOR AND COMPRESSOR.

Programme(s)

• FP1-ENNONUC 3C - Research and development programme (EEC) in the field of Non-Nuclear Energy, 1985-1988

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER

Address

Cromore Road
BT52 1SA Coleraine
United Kingdom