Investigation of methods to improve heat pump performance and reliability in a northern climate. Final report. Volume I

Abstract

The purpose of this analytical project was to evaluate the potential for improving heat pump performance and reliability for application in northern climates. Component and subsystem improvements with the potential for implementation by 1980 were identified. Improved systems were then configured and analyzed for their benefits to, and impacts on, consumers, electric utilities, and the manufacturing industry. Air-to-air heat pumps were emphasized and the impacts of storage and/or solar augmentation were investigated. Three utility service territories were selected to illustrate annual life cycle cost optimization for the case of a flat electricity rate structure. Five improved heat pump systems were identified and analyzed for performance, reliability, cost, utility impacts, and development requirements. Compared to a 1975 state-of-the-art heat pump, the improved units offer heating COP improvements of 30 to 40% and annual life cycle cost reductions of 9 to 14%. Additional reductions in annual life cycle cost are possible if the reliability of the average heat pump can be improved to the higher levels achieved by a few manufacturers, and the home is insulated to the higher standards now being proposed by NEMA, electric utilities, and insulation manufacturers. The study shows that significant energy savings will be possible. However, inmore » the absence of time of day rates,cost-optimized heat pumps as applied in northern climates will not offer significant demand reductions over state-of-the-art heat pumps. The results of the project will be valuable to utilities in planning and implementing consumer information programs as well as in evaluating proposed time of day rates.« less