EXERGETIC PERFORMANCE OF A REVERSIBLE HEAT PUMP (KEY IJP************324)

• G. I. Nwaeze, 1k. E. Madu, F. A. Nwafor, O. N. Akpenyi Aboh

Abstract

Heat pumps provide an efficient means of heating and cooling by transferring heat between two reservoirs. Though widely used, not all the input work is productively utilized due to irreversibilities in the thermodynamic cycle. Exergy analysis establishes a useful framework to evaluate the performance based on both energy and quality considerations. This paper presents a thermodynamic model of a basic reversible vapour compression heat pump cycle. An exergy analysis is performed to determine the exergetic efficiency of individual components like compressor, heat exchangers and overall system. The sources of irreversibility are identified through an exergy destruction calculation. The influence of key operating parameters is analyzed and opportunities for optimization discussed. Enhanced designs and control strategies are proposed to minimize exergy destruction and approach ideal Carnot cycle efficiency.