Numerical Simulation of a Two-Stage Hybrid Heat Pump

Hybrid heat pumps, which combine the vapor compression and absorption heat pump cycle, can efficiently produce hot water of 80 degrees-90 degrees C from the low temperature of similar to 50 degrees C. In this study, the performance of a two-stage hybrid heat pump (HHP) was compared with a single-stage hybrid heat pump using EES (Engineering Equation Solver). For the same operating conditions, the two-stage HHP showed a slightly higher COP (Coefficient Of Performance) and more stable operating conditions than the single-stage HHP. Moreover, the maximum working fluid temperature of the two-stage HHP was found to be lower than that of the single-stage HHP by about 40 K, which makes the working conditions of the lubricating oil safer. The COPs of both systems decreased with increasing UA-values. However, the heat output of the HHP was increased at the same time.