Air Source Cold Climate Heat Pump

EW-201136

Objective

The objective of this project is to demonstrate a new air-source heat pump technology that is optimized for colder climates. The technology will reduce the energy needed to heat small commercial or residential buildings and expand the range of air-source heat pumps to Department of Defense (DoD) facilities in the northern half of the United States.

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Technology Description

The prototype air-source two-stage heat pump is optimized for heating loads in colder climates and has been successfully tested for ambient temperatures as low as -27°C (-17ºF). The system uses environmentally friendly refrigerant R-410A and can be deployed in several different configurations depending on the type of building. Many DoD facilities would use a heat pump with a fan/coil unit to heat or cool air directly. Another option that can achieve higher efficiency is a hydronic system that uses water as the primary medium for delivering heating and cooling. A hybrid option that provides a combination of heating and cooling for air and water is another alternative.

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Benefits

Existing technologies do not provide sufficient heat or high enough temperatures to maintain comfortable conditions in residential or small commercial buildings at low outdoor temperatures. This project will demonstrate an integrated solution to reduce the primary energy used for heating such spaces, particularly as compared to electric resistance for supplemental heating in a heat pump. This technology will also provide a cost-effective means of heating in cold climates, particularly where natural gas or propane are not readily available. Reduction in the combustion of gas, oil, and other fossil fuels for heating and rapid deployment under various geologic conditions, space constraints, or other environmental factors are additional benefits. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Mr. William Hutzel

Purdue University

Phone: 765-494-7528

Program Manager

Energy and Water

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.