The overall objective of this thesis is to develop a structured method to approach the challenge of better understanding the techniques and potential for capacity control in Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems used in Swedish single-family dwellings. This thesis aims at development of a generic model of the system that can be used for comparative, descriptive, and predictive analysis of capacity controlled GSHP systems in single-family dwellings.

In order to develop the generic model, first, a conceptual model of the reality of interest is developed based on the objective of the model. Second, a quantitative model of the system is developed based on the conceptual model. Third, experimental studies are carried out in order to obtain better understanding of the behavior of the system and its components and also to validate the capabilities of the model. Furthermore, some examples are presented to show how the generic model developed and evaluated at the previous stages can be used to address the questions in the context of capacity control in GSHP systems.

As the first example of applications of the generic model, a comparative analysis is made between the annual performance of on/off-controlled and variable-capacity GSHP systems. The results show that dimensioning of the on/off-controlled GSHP unit based on the peak heat demand of the building plays a significant role when the annual performance of the on/off controlled GSHP system is compared with that of the variable speed GSHP system. As the second example, another comparative analysis is performed, this time to compare three common methods whose purpose is to control on/off-controlled GSHP system. Based on the results from the detailed analysis of these three control methods, it is recommended not to use the constant hysteresis method to avoid large supply temperature oscillation or large deviation from the required temperatures.

Finding a proper brine mass flow rate, either variable or constant, is a challenge when a variable capacity heat pump system (a heat pump system equipped with a variable speed compressor) is designed. Therefore, as the third example of applications of the generic model, analysis is performed on a variable-capacity GSHP system equipped with a variable speed compressor and variable speed pump in U-pipe borehole heat exchanger. The results show that a single speed liquid pump but with a very carefully-selected brine mass flow rate would be still an appropriate option for variable speed heat pump systems, if COP maximization is the main concern.

Finally, as the fourth example, the performance of a run-around coil heat recovery system equipped with a variable capacity heat pump unit is evaluated over a year. The results show that by retrofitting a well-sized variable capacity heat pump unit to the system, there is a potential to increase the amount of heat provided by the recovery system by more than 70%.

In addition to the examples shown, the systematic approach and the generic model used in the present study can be applied to improve other control techniques and strategies and find new opportunities which can lead to saving energy and money, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, and gaining higher credibility for GSHPs in the market.