This paper analyzes the operating principle and the advantages of the parallel-type hybrid-power gas engine-driven heat pump system (PHGHP) and builds test systems to test the performance of the system in the heating conditions and cooling conditions. PHGHP used heat pump system's cooling capacity, heat capacity, fuel-consumed flow, fuel consumed-rate, thermal efficiency and reclaimed heat as the economic analysis parameters. In addition, this paper puts forward the concept of the equivalent fuel-consumed flow and the equivalent output power of engine. The test results show, the speed and torque of gas engine which used the baseline control strategy and combined with a gas engine optimization curve control strategy are always in the designated economic. Fuel-consumed flow changes in 280-340 g (kW h)(-1). With compressor speed increasing, the drive system thermal efficiency is maintained between 0.23 and 0.28. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.