Fuel Savings in Hot-Water Hearing Plants through the Use of Heat Pumps Driven by Natural Gas (Natural Gas Heat Pump)

摘要

Energy consumption in residential heating using a heat pump driven by an internal combustion engine is discussed. A natural gas rotary engine was developed as a drive unit for a heat pump with 120 to 150 KW heating capacity. The engine was derived from an automotive prototype engine; it had an output of 50 kW at 6000 rpm. The efficiency was improved by an increased compression ratio and a rotor recess suitable for natural gas operation. The engine used specially developed spark plugs and high performance lubrication oil. To obtain longevity, the trochoid surface and the side housing surface were coated with a plasma spray wear coating, ceramic apex seals were used and the accessories were redesigned.