Sustainable Heating Solutions for Smart Cities: The Efficiency of Geothermal and Solar Energy Integrated Heat Pumps in Fuzuli
Sevinj Babayeva1* , Subhan Khudayev2
Abstract. In this study work, using “GeoTsol” simulation software, a comparative examination of the energy performance of various hybrid heat pump system designs in Fuzuli area of Azerbaijan, which is designated a “Green Energy Zone”, is presented. The main goal of the study is to determine the most effective and sustainable technical configuration for residential heating using high solar radiation potential and geothermal resources of the region. A dynamic analysis of four different cases with vertical ground probes and solar thermal collectors (HPS2, HPS3, HPS4 and HPS5) was performed. The simulation findings show that the combined operation of the ground-source heat pumps with solar energy greatly improves the yearly Coefficient of Performance and provides long-term system stability by enabling the ground thermal recharge in the summer months. This method is efficient to keep the thermal balance of the soil for long term operation and maximizes the energy savings. Results of this study are an important techno-economic basis for the energy infrastructure of the projects “Smart City” and “Smart Village” implemented in the freed areas of Azerbaijan.
Keywords: heat pump, GeoTsol, Fuzuli, Green Energy Zone, Solar energy, Geothermal energy, Hybrid systems, COP