Techno-economic assessment and hydraulic optimization of large-scale river-source heat pump configurations for high-temperature district heating decarbonization

This research evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of integrating large-scale river-source heat pump configurations into existing high-temperature district heating networks. Using high-resolution river temperature data and seasonal load profiles, the study presents a comparative analysis of technological architectures, including modular multi-stage cascades and industrial-scale units, to upgrade low-grade thermal energy to meet supply requirements at 70-90°C. Central to the performance analysis is optimizing hydraulic integration strategies. The study evaluates interconnection modes, specifically parallel and series configurations on both the supply and return lines, to maximize the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) and minimize temperature lift requirements. Thermodynamic simulations indicate that optimized configurations consistently achieve the value of SCOP exceeding 3.0, resulting in primary energy consumption reductions of over 60% and annual CO2 emission decreases of nearly 80%. Preliminary financial indicators, including Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), confirm the project's economic viability and its role in enhancing urban energy resilience. These findings establish a scalable framework for the systemic transition of urban thermal infrastructure from fossil-fuel dependence to sustainable, water-based heat recovery.