Efficient heat generation for resorts

This study compares the energy efficiency of two processes covering the thermal energy demand of a swimming pool: A combined heat and power (CHP) unit on the one hand, and a heat pump with internal combustion engine on the other hand. The thermal energy demand of the swimming pool was 1438 kWh per day (78% heating the pool and 22% providing hot water for showers), owing to temperate climate in the city of Toluca in central Mexico; a mean annual temperature of 13.5 °C (10.5 °C in January and 15.7 °C in June) offers a large potential of renewable thermal energy stored in the atmosphere. Its utilization in heat pumps driven by thermal combustion engines can provide energy below 60 °C; this temperature level provides hot water for showers while a lower temperature level of about 40°C heats up the pool water and swimming hall. Depending on outdoor temperature, which defines the load for the units, the efficiency in terms of total primary energy consumption is better for the CHP solution (100% and 80% load) and is better for the heat pump in the case of a 57% load. The energy losses for the CHP unit on-site are equivalent to half the losses caused by extraction and distribution of natural gas under current circumstances in Mexico. The results provide a decision tool.