Comprehensive Evaluation of Three Major Heat Pump Technologies: Air-Source, Ground-Source, and Water-Source Heat Pump

Heat pump systems, recognized for their energy efficiency and low-carbon footprint, are pivotal in advancing the global shift toward sustainable energy. This research focuses on a thorough comparative analysis of three primary heat pump systems: air-source heat pumps (ASHP), ground-source heat pumps (GSHP), and water-source heat pumps (WSHP).The research begins with the fundamental theory of heat pump technology, then delves into the core technical characteristics, suitable application environments, and actual performance of each type of heat pump, highlighting their unique strengths and potential drawbacks. Air-source heat pumps are flexible to install and cost-effective but experience reduced efficiency in low-temperature environments; ground-source heat pumps provide excellent energy efficiency and consistent performance, though they involve greater upfront costs and are influenced by geological factors; water-source heat pumps have the highest efficiency but are constrained by hydrological conditions and may impact the ecological environment. Through these analyses, this study aims to contribute to the sustainable development and widespread application of heat pump technology, providing researchers and engineers in the field with a comprehensive and detailed evaluation report.