ASHRAE NAC - February Meeting

Topic: Fuel-Switching Hydronic Systems with Air-to-Water Heat Pumps

This presentation provides an overview of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps (ATWHP), and how they can best be leveraged to reduce building emissions in retrofits of hydronic systems and new construction alike. Designing Air-to-Water Heat Pump systems can be different than designing conventional chiller-boiler systems, however, when the technology and capabilities are understood, the hydronic system can be adapted to suit the central plant Air-to-Water Heat Pumps, and the energy and emissions savings can become significant.

See exactly how this technology fits into a low-carbon future with electrified buildings from the point of view of Energy Engineers, Mechanical Designers, and Energy Modelers. Learn about various ATWHP applications hydronic systems using 2-pipe, 4-pipe and Cascade System approaches, as well as how to best integrate the equipment with Domestic Hot Water systems. This presentation will demonstrate the significant energy use and greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of using reversible ATWHP systems instead of traditional cooling-only air-cooled chillers.

A detailed analysis will show the potential technology benefits of a partial fuel switch to the ATWHP system with Auxiliary Natural Gas or Electric Boiler for Peak Winter days and show the energy comparison and carbon reduction potential for various supplementary heating means.

The presentation concludes with an overview of operational cost comparisons of fossil fuel and electric heating systems, and how the financials will continue to become more favorable for electrified systems as governments and utility providers adapt their incentives, programs, and targets to transform the market towards sustainable electrified designs.

Key takeaways and Learning Objectives from the session:
1. Understand the concept of fuel-switching and its importance for high efficiency retrofits of existing building central plant systems or for new plant designs.
2. Learn design strategies, sizing methodologies and application techniques of using air-to-water heat pump plant equipment including system optimization of central plant Energy Management Strategy (EMS).
3. Learn about the energy and cost savings, and emission reductions achievable with fuel-switching retrofit of traditional central plant systems with air-to-water heat pumps with supplemental gas or electric boilers.

Speaker Bio:

Christopher A. DesRoches

Chris is a Professional Engineer with 15 years of experience in the HVAC industry in all aspects from Product Development and Testing to Sales & Service. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As Business Development Manager – Heating & Cooling, Chris is a subject matter expert on Hydronic Heat Pump solutions. Chris has a passion for efficient and environmentally responsible HVAC solutions which will be imperative in the preparation for the future of the built environment, as the industry strategizes to meet local and global targets to mitigate the effects of climate change. He has been an active ASHRAE member since 2012 providing numerous presentations at the chapter level across Canada and the US, as well as presenting through other industry associations such as ASHRAE, HRAI, CIPH and the CHC on Air-to-Water Technologies as a solution for electrification and decarbonization of hydronic systems. He has also provided presentations at ASHRAE conferences in both Canada and the United States.

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