A Parameter Estimation Based Model of Water-to-Water Heat Pumps for Use in Energy Calculation Programs

A steady-state simulation model for a water-to-water reciprocating vapor compression heat pump is presented. The model is intended for use in energy calculation and/or building simulation programs. The model was developed from basic thermodynamic principles and heat transfer relations. The model includes several unspecified parameters that are estimated from catalog data using a multi-variable optimization procedure. It was developed with the objective of only requiring input data that are readily available from manufacturers’ catalogs. Compared to equation-fit models, by retaining the physically based representation of the heat pump, a better match to the catalog data is obtained, and some extrapolation is feasible. Compared to a detailed deterministic model recently published, approximately the same RMS error is obtained without requiring additional experimental data or data for internal components.