Dynamic Modeling of Geothermal Heat Pump System by Nanofluid Coupled with Building
Abstract
This study aims to enhance the energy efficiency and environmental performance of geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems by integrating aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)-based nanofluids within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential building. Using TRNSYS 18 for dynamic simulation, a two-story house with a ground source heat pump was modeled under realistic climatic and operational conditions. The simulation assessed system performance with and without nanofluid application, analyzing indicators such as coefficient of performance (COP), energy consumption, and pollutant emissions. The results indicate a significant improvement in COP and a reduction in electricity usage when nanofluid is used compared to conventional water-based systems. Notably, monthly electricity consumption dropped from 4515 kWh to 3421 kWh in August, and CO₂ emissions decreased from 9.3 kg to around 7 kg. These findings demonstrate the potential of nanofluid integration in improving heat transfer efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing renewable energy usage in buildings. The novelty of this work lies in the practical application of nanofluid-enhanced GHP systems within full-scale building simulations using TRNSYS. The proposed approach provides a promising solution for achieving decarbonization targets in the building sector while maintaining indoor comfort and operational efficiency.