Natural gas engine driven heat pump system – a case study of an office building

ABSTRACT

An eQUEST model was developed to conduct a simulation study of a natural gas engine-driven heat pump (GEHP) for an office building in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. Prior to the installation of the GEHP, the heating and cooling demands of the office building were provided by rooftop units (RTUs), comprising of natural gas heater and electric air conditioner. Energy consumption for both GEHP and RTUs were monitored for operation in alternating months. These recorded energy consumptions along with weather data were used in the regression analysis. The developed eQUEST models were validated and calibrated with the regression analysis results with respect to the ASHRAE Guideline 14–2014. The eventual models were then applied to investigate the potential annual energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy cost savings achieved by using the GEHP in Woodstock, and other cities in Canada, particularly in Ontario.

KEYWORDS:

• Gas engine-driven heat pump (GEHP)
• energy cost savings
• greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction
• carbon price

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the management of the office building for providing the required information and also for granting permission for the site visit. In addition, the financial support provided by MITACS, OCE TalentEdge, NSERC CRD, Union Gas Limited and Enbridge Gas Distribution is also acknowledged. The authors would also like to acknowledge Anna Wang for helping with the blower door test.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Mitacs [IT05819]; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [CRDPJ 490974 - 15]; OCE-TalentEdge [30257].