Research on Energy Savings of an Air-Source Heat Pump Hot Water System in a College Student’s Dormitory Building

Abstract

Centralized hot water systems are commonly installed in college student dormitories, representing a typical application for such systems. To achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly heating solutions, air-source heat pump hot water systems have gained attention for their high efficiency and energy-saving characteristics. By implementing heat pump technology, China could make significant progress towards achieving its carbon neutrality goals by reducing energy consumption and associated emissions. In this study, the heating performance of an air-source heat pump hot water system was tested in the field over the course of a year at a university in Chongqing, China. A simulation model was constructed using TRNSYS software, and a time-sharing control strategy was proposed to analyze the system’s operating characteristics and energy-saving performance. Results showed a 6% increase in unit annual average Coefficient of Performance (COP) and annual electricity savings of 10,027 kW·h, with an energy-saving rate of 8.77% after time-sharing control. The study highlights the significant economic and environmental benefits of adopting sustainable energy solutions, particularly in the context of increasing global greenhouse gas emissions.