Heat Pump Design: Components & Assembly Guide

[Avis]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at designing a heat pump system that uses CO2 as the working fluid. I'm not exactly sure how to pick the components that I need like a compressor, expansion valve, etc. I am trying to create an experimental device that will work in conjunction with my CO2 thermosyphon to take heat from low temperature sources.

Is there a design guide?
Does anyone know of a manufacturer of such components or prebuilt assemblies?

Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Avis]

Nobody has an idea? I am stuck beyond stuck. Havent dealt with this kind of thing before and it hard to find resources.

 

[etudiant]

CO2 is a tricky fluid for heat pump use because of its properties such as freezing on expansion. Your project sounds interesting, but why use CO2 as the working fluid when there is a mountain of experience with fluorocarbons, which are not much more demanding in terms of temperature range?

 

[Avis]

Trying something different, higher COP, smaller components. Looking to go green. We are realizing however that its a bit out of our league right now. Would you have any resources for designing a heat pump (sizing components and what not) for using R134A as the working fluid?

 

[etudiant]

I'm not sufficiently involved with the engineering to help, but would think that the national labs would be your first stop. They are interested in energy efficient heating/cooling and do work on the engineering details in an open framework, unlike the Carriers and such. A quick Google gave this link for a start:
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/ees/etsd/btric/eere_research_reports/electrically_driven_heat_pumps/advanced_cycle_development/air_to_air_single_speed/ornl_conf_810101_5/ornl_conf_810101_5.pdf

 

[Avis]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to have to go to my Project supervisor for some serious advice. I think I'm in a little over my head.