An Analysis of the Operating Cost effectiveness of a Ground source Heat Pump

In the light of the excessively low outdoor temperatures prevailing in Chinese northern frigid regions the authors have proposed a space heating system based on the use of ground source heat pumps. There exist three driving modes for such pumps, namely, by electric motors, diesels and gas engines. In addition, there are three auxiliary heat supply sources, i.e., electric boilers, oil fired ones and gas fired ones. The authors have analyzed and compared the operating cost of various systems during a change of primary energy utilization rate and fuel price. The results of this comparison show that the operating cost of the driving modes by using gas engines, electric motors and diesel engines are respectively 6%, 40% and 57% higher than that of a central district heating system using boilers.