Using a High-Temperature Heat Pump for Heating of Greenhouses

Authors

  • Almina Sarajlić University of Maribor, Faculty of Energy Technology
  • Jurij Avsec University of Maribor, Faculty of Energy Technology
  • Urška Novosel University of Maribor, Faculty of Energy Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18690/jet.19.1.%25p.2026

Keywords:

geothermal hightemperature heat pump, greenhouse heating, greenhouse, heat losses, renewable energy sources

Abstract

Greenhouse heating is associated with high energy consumption and operating costs, particularly during winter conditions. This study investigates the application of a geothermal high-temperature heat pump for greenhouse heating in northeastern Slovenia. A case study greenhouse used for rose cultivation was analysed, to determine heat losses, heating demand and economic feasibility. The heat loss calculations were performed using the greenhouse geometry, the thermal properties of double-wall polycarbonate panels, and the minimum outdoor temperatures recorded between October 2023 and April 2024. The results showed that the maximum heating demand reached 91.31 kW, exceeding the capacity of the existing 80 kW electric heater. Consequently, a Thermeco2 HHR180 high-temperature heat pump was selected, with a heating capacity of 130 kW and a coefficient of performance (COP) of 4.78. An economic analysis indicated annual savings of €29,143.07 and a payback period of 6.55 years. The findings confirm that high-temperature heat pumps represent a technically feasible and economically viable solution for improving energy efficiency and sustainability in greenhouse production.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Almina Sarajlić, University of Maribor, Faculty of Energy Technology

    Krško, Slovenia; Email: almina.sarajlic@um.si

  • Jurij Avsec, University of Maribor, Faculty of Energy Technology

    Krško, Slovenia; Email: jurij.avsec@um.si

  • Urška Novosel, University of Maribor, Faculty of Energy Technology

    Krško, Slovenia; Email: urska.novosel@um.si

References

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Nemali, K. (2021). Heating and cooling greenhouses. Purdue University. https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/cea/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2021/01/Heating-and-Cooling-in-Greenhouses-1.pdf

Sun, J., Wang, Y., Qin, Y., Wang, G., Liu, R., & Yang, Y. (2023). A review of super-high-temperature heat pumps over 100 °C. Energies, 16(12), 4591, https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124591

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Published

15.07.2026

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sarajlić, A., Avsec, J., & Novosel, U. (2026). Using a High-Temperature Heat Pump for Heating of Greenhouses. Journal of Energy Technology, 19(1), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.18690/jet.19.1.%p.2026

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