LOW-ELECTRIC-INPUT GAS-ENGINE HEAT PUMP AIR CONDITIONER
We have recently developed a gas engine heat pump air-conditioning system with a power-generating function. In this system, a high efficient generator and converter are added to a conventional GHP. This system enables highly efficient power generation by utilizing surplus capacity of the gas engine during air-conditioning. The new system achieved power generation efficiency of approximately 42-43% (in terms of Higher Heating Value). Since generated electricity is supplied to the cooling fan and pump of outdoor unit, the electric power consumption of the outdoor unit is reduced. The new system enables lower electric power consumption and running costs compared to conventional gas heat pump air-conditioners. In this paper, we show the mechanism for its high efficiency and the features of this system, and we also provide an introduction about this technology.