On the optimal synergy between GSHPs and back-up generators

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are globally recognized as one of the most promising technology in terms of economy and energy savings. However, especially in mild-climate Mediterranean areas, GSHPs diffusion is still notably limited by the higher installation costs (e.g. drilling costs) with respect to other renewable technologies. As discussed in previous works, it is possible to find an optimal share of the thermal load to be delivered by the GHP unit in order to reduce the size of the ground-coupled apparatus, leading to remarkable economy savings, higher energy performances, and ensuring a sustainable exploitation of the ground source. Here, we present a suitable methodology to investigate this optimal operative condition that consists of a proper sizing of the equipment, together with an optimized control strategy of the generators. A case study is presented and discusse