Heat pump for a HVACandR system

A system, comprising:

• a vapor compression system, comprising:
• a compressor configured to circulate refrigerant through the vapor compression system;
• an evaporator configured to place the refrigerant in thermal communication with a low temperature heat source;
• and
• a condenser configured to place the refrigerant in thermal communication with an intermediate fluid;
• an absorption heat pump, comprising:
• an absorption evaporator configured to place a working fluid in thermal communication with the intermediate fluid;
• an absorber configured to mix the working fluid in an absorbent to form a mixture;
• a generator configured to heat the mixture and separate the working fluid from the absorbent;
• and
• an absorbent condenser configured to place the working fluid in thermal communication with a heating fluid;
• and
• a valve, wherein the valve:
• when in operation in a startup mode of the system, directs the intermediate fluid to bypass the absorption evaporator;
• and
• upon the system reaching a steady state after the startup mode of the system, directs the intermediate fluid through the condenser of the vapor compression system and through the absorption evaporator.

A method, comprising:

• placing a refrigerant of a vapor compression system in a first heat exchange relationship with an intermediate fluid of an intermediate fluid loop, wherein the vapor compression system is in thermal communication with a low temperature heat source;
• placing the intermediate fluid of the intermediate fluid loop in a second heat exchange relationship with a working fluid of an absorption heat pump;
• directing the intermediate fluid to bypass, via a valve, the absorption heat pump in a startup mode of the vapor compression system;
• circulating the working fluid of the absorption heat pump through an absorber, a pump, and a generator of the absorption heat pump to transfer thermal energy to the working fluid;
• and
• placing the working fluid in a third heat exchange relationship with a heating fluid.