Conference Paper

Proceedings of eSim 2022: 12th Conference of IBPSA-Canada

Energy performance and GHG emissions reduction potential of natural gas driven heat pumps in Canada

Heike Schreiber, Edward Vuong, Mariana Barssoum, Carsen Banister
National Research Council Canada, Canada

Abstract: This study presents an analysis on the feasibility of gas engine heat pumps (GEHP) as a transitory technology in the Canadian market towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a result of using a gas engine to power a compressor heat pump, the system offers seasonal performances beyond any traditional combustion heating system, consistent heating capability throughout extreme winter conditions, in addition to cooling in the summer. At the present, GEHP see limited use in Canada but can offer building operators the opportunity to save energy and reduce carbon emissions, compared to conventional gas-fired equipment. GEHP-operating archetype buildings are simulated in several Canadian cities with a range of electricity grid intensities and climate, to estimate GHG gas emissions reductions potential of this heat pump technology for space heating and cooling.
Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions reduction, gas engine heat pump, space heating and cooling
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