Retrofitting Forced Air Combi Systems: A Cold Climate Field Assessment

Schoenbauer, Ben; Bohac, Dave; McAlpine, Jack; Hewett, Martha J.

doi:10.2172/1366343

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Relatively recent advances to cold climate ASHP technology, which typically rely on inverter-driven, variable-speed compressors and variable-speed fans, have significantly improved low-temperature heat pump performance, enabling the technology to potentially save energy for many homes in cold climates. Field studies have shown ASHPs are a viable space heating technology for cold climates (Winkler 2023, Trojanowski 2023, Schoenbauer 2017, Schoenbauer 2016, Davis 2016, Larson 2013.…”

Section: Introduction and Technology Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump Demonstration and Analysis: Experimental Study on Cold Temperature Performance

Winkler,

Shoukas

2024

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Space heating energy is the largest end use for U.S. residential buildings, accounting for nearly 45% of residential building energy consumption nationwide, and approximately 51% of space heating energy is consumed on-site by combusting natural gas (EIA 2020a). In Colorado, approximately 53% of the statewide residential building energy consumption goes to space heating, 76% of which is provided by natural gas (EIA 2020a). Heat pumps are an efficient, electric alternative space heating technology and have been proven viable for decades. However, historically air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) have been limited to temperate climates because of (1) subpar performance at extremely cold outdoor air temperatures, (2) the need for air conditioning in summer months, and (3) the availability of natural gas in colder climates. Relatively recent advances to cold climate ASHP technology, which typically relies on inverterdriven, variable-speed compressors and variable-speed fans, have significantly improved lowtemperature heat pump performance, enabling the technology to potentially save energy for many homes in cold climates.The definition of "cold climate heat pump" ranges from a manufacturer marketing term to a specific set of performance targets. Some manufacturers use the term to overcome the stigma of poor low-temperature performance, while others use it to denote the inclusion of particular controls and accessories, such as drain pan heaters, necessary for cold climate operation.The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) publishes the Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) Specification, which defines a set of performance and reporting requirements for systems to be voluntarily listed as meeting the specification (NEEP 2022). The specification was developed to support the identification of ASHPs well-suited for heating homes in cold climates and applies to air-to-air, variable-speed ducted, and ductless systems. The NEEP specification relies on manufacturer-reported performance data, which can be obtained from either laboratory test results or engineering data sourced from proprietary system models. This project coincided with Xcel Energy, the largest electric utility in Colorado, launching cold climate heat pump rebates for qualified products. To qualify, equipment must receive a quality installation from a participating contractor, be listed in the NEEP ccASHP product list, and meet specific performance criteria (Xcel 2023) (see Section 1.1).Under Technical Service Agreement TSA-21-17917 with Xcel Energy, NREL conducted laboratory and field research activities to evaluate the performance of current residential ASHP technologies in support of Xcel Energy's carbon-free electricity goals. Results from this research will be used by Xcel Energy to play a role in understanding the impacts that equipment, environment, and installation choices have on field operation and performance of residential ASHPs. This report focuses on the laboratory experiments.The overall goal of the laboratory evaluation was to measure he...

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Section: Introduction and Technology Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump Demonstration and Analysis: Experimental Study on Cold Temperature Performance

Winkler,

Shoukas

2024

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Retrofitting Forced Air Combi Systems: A Cold Climate Field Assessment

Cited by 1 publication

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Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump Demonstration and Analysis: Experimental Study on Cold Temperature Performance

Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump Demonstration and Analysis: Experimental Study on Cold Temperature Performance

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