Monitoring of residential groundwater-source heat pumps in the northeast. Final report

Technical Report · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5638596

Dougall, R S; Freedman, G M; Osborne, R W; Mohre, D L

Two rural Pennsylvania single-family residences in a 6000 heating degree-day climate, were retrofitted with add-on groundwater-source heat pumps. Performance data were collected over a two-year period. Data were collected manually and by microcomputer, and included weather, energy use of the heat pump and house, water flow and temperature. Compared to oil, at 1984 prices, a payback of 4 to 6 years is possible. One unit operated at a COP in heating of nearly 3.0, including an allowance for pumping energy. The COP of the second unit was lower, still better than oil heating but not cost-effective at today's rates. Some initial reliability problems were also encountered with one unit. This emphasizes the need for astute buying and use of comparative ratings on models at conditions consistent with the application. As water-source heat pump performance is affected by water supply temperatures, the rating must be for temperatures similar to groundwater temperatures in the region where the heat pump will be installed, typically 50 to 55/sup 0/F in Pennsylvania. A substantial quantity of water is required and proper disposal is a consideration. Ponds were used to receive processed water in both test applications. The source groundwater was obtained from wells of more than 50 feet in depth, which are common at rural residences.

• Research Organization: Pittsburgh Univ., PA (USA); Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., Harrisburg, PA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5638596
• Report Number(s): ORNL/Sub-80-7985/1; ON: DE86012456
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
BUILDINGS
DEGREE DAYS
FEDERAL REGION III
HEAT PUMPS
MONITORING
NORTH AMERICA
PENNSYLVANIA
PERFORMANCE
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RETROFITTING
USA
WATER SOURCE HEAT PUMPS