Optimization of a Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump System for Building Heating in Severe Cold Regions: A TRNSYS-GenOpt Coupling Approach

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems, while energy-efficient, often face persistent soil thermal imbalance in heating-dominated severe cold regions, which undermines their long-term performance and sustainability. This study proposes a TRNSYS-GenOpt framework for the life-cycle cost optimization of hybrid GSHP systems integrating electric boilers and geothermal regulation towers. A transient model for a 5650 m2 fire station in Changchun was developed, employing the Hooke–Jeeves algorithm to co-optimize boiler capacity, borehole depth, and geothermal regulation tower airflow under constraints on heating supply temperature and soil thermal balance. Time-of-use electricity pricing was incorporated for realistic operational economics. The optimized configuration (148 m, 864.8 kW, 290,400 m3/h) achieved a minimum 20-year life-cycle cost of CNY 1.13 million. Sensitivity analysis revealed “rigid design, flexible cost” characteristics: optimal parameters remained invariant across discount rate variations (3.5–7.5%) and equipment costs (±20%), while life-cycle cost showed the highest sensitivity to electricity pricing and discount rates. The long-term simulation confirmed compliance with all physical constraints. This methodology demonstrates that thermodynamic constraints supersede economic trade-offs in severe cold climates, providing engineers with a reliable tool for sustainable hybrid geothermal system design.