Performance optimization and evaluation of integrating thermochemical energy storage with low-temperature driven absorption heat pump for building heating: 4E analyses

A heating system achieved by combining thermochemical energy storage and absorption heat pump is proposed and verified. Based on the experimental data, a mathematical model of the zeolite/water reactor is established and verified. By setting up a micro-compressor between the evaporator and absorber, the AHP is driven by low temperature source. Based on typical days in winter, the stable operation of the system is explored, and the influence of main parameters on the charging/discharging and heating processes are analyzed. The results show that the charging and heating efficiency reached 55.11% and 73.52% during the daytime. The discharging efficiency at night reaches 88.27%. The AHP can be driven by a heat source at a minimum of 75 °C, and hot water at 48.3 °C is provided. Parameters influence analysis shows that temperature is an important factor affecting the charging process, and the initial air temperature is recommended to increase. Humidity is the biggest influencing factor in the discharging process and easily changed and controlled. By replacing electric heating, the system can allow the investment to be recovered within 6.23 years. Environmental analysis shows that the proposed system has significant benefits in terms of primary energy savings and pollutant emission reduction •A new heating system based on zeolite/water reactor was designed and evaluated•The micro-compressor reduced the absorption heat pump driving temperature to 75 °C•The reactor total charging and discharging efficiencies reached 55.11% and 88.27%•Initial air temperature and humidity were key parameters which should be focused on•The proposed system had obvious advantages in replacing electric heating