Multi-software based dynamic modelling of a water-to-water heat pump interacting with an aquifer thermal energy storage system

Aquifer thermal energy storage systems may support the decarbonization of heating and cooling energy needs of urban areas, not only in heating-dominated countries but also in Southern Europe. In this framework, this work investigates the adoption of an electric-driven heat pump interacting with an aquifer and activating a small-scale district heating and cooling network serving a mixed-use district of eight residential and office buildings in Rome (Italy). The dynamic behaviour of aquifer was replicated using the GeoSIAM software. Energy conversion systems and users’ thermal and cooling loads were simulated in TRNSYS 18. The dynamic models were integrated using an iterative approach based on conditions regarding plant operation and injection temperature in wells. The proposed solution was compared from the energy and environmental perspective with a traditional system without aquifer. In addition, the balance between heating and cooling mode operation was assessed. The results obtained encourage the adoption of aquifer thermal energy storage systems in Central Italy. Indeed, the primary energy saving, and the carbon dioxide emissions avoided are equal to 18 %, whereas the imbalance between cooling and heating loads is limited to −5.2 %.