Residential gas-fired heat pumps: An economic assessment

Technical Report · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6839649

Maret, A R; Schuster, J P; Wright, L R; Hlinak, A J; Kazmer, K C

GRI has performed an economic assessment of various air source gas-fired heat pump (GFHP) options for single-family detached residences. The objective of the assessment was to realistically evaluate the potential economic benefit of the generic GFHPs currently being developed relative to competing systems. Two building scenarios were used: one reflecting a high thermal load home and the other a low thermal load home. Nine census regions were used to evaluate climate and energy price variations. The projected performance in the years 1995 and 2000 of four GFHP systems (Stirling/Rankine, Stirling/Stirling, Advanced Single-Effect Absorption, and Double-Effect Absorption) were compared with the projected performance of their primary competitors: the advanced electric heat pump (EHP) and various gas furnace/electric air conditioner combinations. The performance projections were used in conjunction with an economic model to make comparisons between various space-conditioning systems using indicators such as first cost, life-cycle cost, payback period versus a reference unit, and operating cost.

• Research Organization: Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6839649
• Report Number(s): PB-90-199175/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320106* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Equipment-- (1987-)
AIR CONDITIONERS
BUILDINGS
COOLING
COST
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
GAS HEAT PUMPS
HEAT PUMPS
HEATING
LIFE-CYCLE COST
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PAYBACK PERIOD
RANKINE CYCLE
REFRIGERATION
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
STIRLING CYCLE
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES