Experimental Investigation of a Gas Driven Absorption Heat Pump and In-Situ Monitoring

This work describes the methodology used to realize a performance analysis of an ammoniawater condensing gas absorption heat pump. This heat pump shows a nominal heating output of 18,9 kW for outdoor temperature of 7°C and delivery temperature of 35°C, and it is designed for domestic hot water and heating production. The experimental results obtained in the laboratory are contrasted with those obtained from the monitoring of two residential facilities in the northern part of Belgium. The experimental tests were carried out in a climatic chamber to simulate different outside climatic conditions regarding temperature and humidity; different tests conditions were imposed based on a combination of the EN 12309 requirements and typical Belgium weather data. Measures of gas consumption, electrical consumption, water flows and temperatures were collected to compute performance indicators. On the other hand, the monitoring data was analyzed and contrasted with the experimental results to determine the effect of different variables over the system performance. The differences found are described and discussed.