Sunday, January 24, 2016: 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Modern Residential Systems
Chair:
Walter E. Hunt, Electric Power Research Institute
Technical Committee: 08.11 Unitary and Room Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Traditional methods for residential heat pump sizing allow for sufficient unit performance and comfortable indoor conditions. Variable capacity heat pumps have the ability to provide a range of sensible cooling, latent cooling and heating output, and therefore have flexibility in how they are sized for a specific application. Unconventional sizing of a variable capacity heat pump may offer energy savings and power demand reduction, while maintaining indoor comfort. This seminar examines two unique perspectives of unconventional heat pump sizing with variable capacity technology.
1 A Potential Solution for a Real-World Utility Issue: Oversized Variable Capacity Heat Pumps
 |
George Gurlaskie, Duke Energy |
During low winter temperatures, electric resistance heat in aggregate can contribute to peak power events for the electric utility. This study examines the concept of using oversized variable capacity heat pumps to eliminate the need for backup electric heat. Field sites in Orlando, FL served as a basis for the investigation. Results of the field study compare the usage of backup electric heat, annual energy consumption, peak power demand, dehumidification performance, and system cost between the variable capacity and baseline, single speed systems.
2 A Study on Variable Capacity Heat Pump Sizing in Mixed-Humid and Cold Climates
 |
Jeffrey Munk, Oak Ridge National Laboratory |
This study aims to explore the most appropriate sizing option for a variable capacity heat pump at multiple residential applications. Two variable speed heat pump (VSHP) models were used in simulations of houses located in the mixed-humid and cold climates to determine the impact that sizing has on comfort, energy use and peak power. A single-speed heat pump sized to the cooling load was used as a reference for each home. Simulation results indicate up to 10% annual energy savings are achievable by sizing VSHPs to the heating load in cold climates, with decreasing savings in warmer climates.