Energy modelling and field testing of natural gas absorption heat pump system in cold climate - Canada

Abstract

The feasibility of a Natural Gas Absorption Heat Pump (GAHP) was investigated through the use of a technology screening tool developed in Excel and TRNSYS simulations that used experimentally evaluated performance curves using 50% propylene glycol (PG)/water solution. The Excel tool was used for cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions analysis and indicated that the GAHP was cost effective compared to an Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP) in locations where the primary heating fuel was natural gas and had significantly lower GHG emissions compared to a 90% efficient natural gas furnace. During the heating season, it was found that the system only had more than 100% heating Gas Utilization Efficiency (GUE) at -1.5°C or above and would go as low at 66% GUE at nominal flow and return temperatures. Part load performance was analyzed using experimental data and implemented in a TRNSYS model. The TRNSYS model shows significant losses from part load performance and 50% PG/water derating for both heating and cooling season due to excessive cycling.

Techno–Economic Feasibility Study and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Analysis of Natural Gas Driven Heat Pump (GHP) Systems in Canada through Building Energy Simulation and Field Testing

“…A study by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) showed that the price of natural gas has to increase by at least 50% for electrical heat pumps to be a viable replacement for natural gas-fired furnaces (IESO, 2017a). In the prevailing circumstances the adoption of alternative heating equipment such as the natural gas-fired heat pump (GHP) can emerge as a viable option for replacement of conventional fossil fuel-fired heating equipment when considering savings in energy and operational cost, and reduction in GHG emissions (Ethirveerasingham, 2018).…”