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Field test of a river heat pump using a vacuum ice slurry generator for heat extraction.

Number: 0032

Author(s) : STEFFAN C., SAFARIK M., GUBSCH T., LESSMANN D.

Summary

Many cities and settlements are located near bodies of water. In many cases, lakes, rivers and the sea are an efficient and cost-effective source of heat for heat pumps, even large ones. However, existing hydrothermal heat pump systems cannot be operated at low water temperatures due to the risk of freezing in the evaporator. This limits availability at the time when heating demand is at its highest.
The triple-point process is realised in a vacuum ice system. Freezing water molecules provide the energy to vaporise neighbouring water molecules. The water vapour is compressed by means of a turbo compressor to a higher temperature level that can be used for the downstream stage of the heat pump cascade. The heat extraction from the river water creates a pumpable water-ice mixture (ice slurry) in the evaporator, which is returned to the river. The river water thus remains usable as a powerful and efficient heat source even at water temperatures around freezing point. At the same time, the volume of water circulating between the river and the heat pump is significantly reduced.
As part of the AQVA HEAT 1 project, a 250 kW vacuum ice slurry generator was set up on the premises of “Stadtwerke Zittau” the local district heating provider and successfully tested in autumn 2022 to generate heat from the river Mandau. In addition to the technological issues, the ecological impact on the watercourse was also analysed. The article presents the experiences from this first short-term demonstration.

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Pages: 6 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Field test of a river heat pump using a vacuum ice slurry generator for heat extraction.
  • Record ID : 30032385
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 14th IIR Conference on Phase-Change Materials and Slurries for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Proceedings:  Paris France, May 29-31, 2024.
  • Publication date: 2024/05/31
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.pcm.2024.0032

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