Development of a High Performance Air Source Heat Pump for the US Market.

摘要

Heat pumps present a significant advantage over conventional residential heating technologies due to higher energy efficiencies and less dependence on imported oil. The US development of heat pumps dates back to the 1930s with pilot units being commercially available in the 1950s. Reliable and cost competitive units were available in the US market by the 1960s. The 1973 oil embargo led to increased interest in heat pumps prompting significant research to improve performance, particularly for cold climate locations. Recent increasing concerns on building energy efficiency and environmental emissions have prompted a new wave of research in heat pump technology with special emphasis on reducing performance degradation at colder outdoor air temperatures. The primary focus of this paper is a summary of the advantages and limitations of several performance improvement options sought for the development of high performance air source heat pump systems for cold climate applications. Some recommendations for a high performance cold climate heat pump system design most suitable for the US market are presented.