Energy Model of an Air Source Heat Pump to Explore Performance Improvements under Cold Conditions: A Python Framework: Preprint

Conrado Ermel, Marcus Bianchi, Paulo Schneider

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

Replacing combustion appliances with heat pumps can be part of a strategy to electrify buildings. When their electricity is supplied by renewables, the adoption of heat pumps for space heating may help curb the carbon dioxide emissions inherent to traditional heating systems that burn natural gas or coal. When operating in very cold climates, however, heat pump performance deteriorates, sometimes requiring backup heating supplied by electric resistances or other sources to continue to function. To avoid the use of electric resistances, complementary technologies, like thermal energy storage, solar collectors, or alternative refrigerants, have been explored in recent years. In this study, we present an open-source Python-based numerical model developed to evaluate the annual hourly performance of an air source heat pump (ASHP) operating in the USA. Simulation results include coefficient of performance and heating capacity. The model, validated with experimental results, will be employed in the future to investigate the feasibility of integrating thermal energy storage and other technologies into ASHPs operating in cold climates.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages13
StatePublished - 2023
Event7th International High Performance Buildings Conference - West Lafayette, Indiana
Duration: 10 Jul 202214 Jul 2022

Conference

Conference7th International High Performance Buildings Conference
CityWest Lafayette, Indiana
Period10/07/2214/07/22

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-82753

Keywords

  • cold climate
  • Heat Pump
  • Python
  • thermal energy storage

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