Heat Pump to Increase the Efficiency of a Geothermal Heating System in the City of Călimănești - Case Study

Abstract

Romania is one of the European countries that has a rich geothermal potential, the main uses of this resource being the spaces heating and thermal baths. Recently, concerns about increasing energy efficiency and limiting greenhouse gas emissions, have determined an increased attention to heating systems using geothermal water. These will play an important role in the future in developing sustainable energies and reducing the use of fossil fuels. The authors present a case study on a heating system in the city of Călimănești, initially using liquid fuel, which was modernized by using geothermal hot water for the preparation of the thermal agent. As geothermal water, with an initial temperature of 95°C, cannot be cooled below 50°C, the authors considered the possibility of using a heat pump to fully exploit the thermal potential of geothermal water, increase the capacity of the system and increase its energy efficiency. The implementation of the heat pump in the district heating system and the results expected to be obtained are discussed. It was considered that the heat pump works in parallel with the heating system, obtaining an increase in its capacity by approx. 60% and an increase in energy efficiency by approx. 30%.