Session: K6-09: HEAT TRANSFER IN ENERGY SYSTEMS - WASTE HEAT II

Paper Number: 131925

131925 - Exergy Analysis on an Innovative Vapor-Compression Ejector Heat Pump Water Heater 

Abstract: 

Ejector-driven systems are thermally operated and capable of utilizing excess thermal energy to aid in boosting the overall efficiency of the system. In addition to this, their lack of moving parts, requiring little maintenance over time makes them an attractive addition boost system performance.  Traditionally, ejectors have been implemented into systems for cooling purposes, however, recent studies have demonstrated their potential to increase the efficiency in heat pump systems as well. In this study an exergy analysis is performed on an innovative vapor compression ejector heat pump (VCEHP) for the purposes of water heating at varying operating conditions. The analysis is performed assuming the evaporator temperature of 6.5 °C, and a low temperature evaporator (LTE) temperature of 15 °C, for condenser outlet temperatures of 30, 40, and 50 °C, with R134a acting as the working fluid. The ejector model incorporated was compared to previous experimental studies utilizing R134a, and the predicted coefficient of performance (COP) and back pressures to within 5%. The results of the VCEHP are compared to that of a traditional vapor compression heat pump (VCHP) water heater. The theoretical results have shown that the incorporation of the ejector can lead to a 0.25 increase in the system heating COP.

 

Presenting Author: Jeremy Spitzenberger University of Missouri

Presenting Author Biography: Jeremy is a third year PhD student at the University of Missouri-Columba, working under Dr. Hongbin "Bill" Ma in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His research focus is on ejector driven heat pump and thermal management systems.

Authors:

Jeremy Spitzenberger University of Missouri
Hongbin Ma University of Missouri