Abstract
In this study, we considered a building, which had a volume of 336 m(3) and a floor area of 120 m(2), with indoor and outdoor air temperatures of 20 degrees C and 0 degrees C, respectively. For heating this building, we selected two options, namely (i) a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump system (Case 1), and (ii) a solar collector heating system (Case 2). We employed both energy and exergy analysis methods to assess their performances and compare them through energy and exergy efficiencies and sustainability index. We also investigated energy and exergy flows for this building and illustrated from the primary energy transformation through the heat production system and a distribution system to a heating system, and from there, via the indoor air, across the building envelope to the surrounding air. We calculated that the total exergy efficiencies for Cases 1 and 2 were 4.7%, and 26.1% while sustainability index values for both cases were 1.049 and 1.353 at a reference (dead) state temperature of 0 degrees C, respectively.