Experimental investigation of building envelope and air source heat pumps in Canadian cold climate

In Canada, more than 60% of residential energy is used for space heating, yet the adoption of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) is slower compared to the global average despite their high efficiency and potential for building electrification. This slow adoption is partly due to the low efficiency of ASHPs in cold climates. This study investigates how extreme temperatures, wind, and solar conditions affect building envelope performance and the efficiency of commercial ASHPs. Experiments were conducted in controlled conditions using the full-scale climatic chamber and wind tunnel at Ontario Tech University. Results were analyzed to determine the heat transfer coefficient, heat loss parameters of the building, and COP of the ASHP. The findings reveal a strong correlation between a) the thermal performance of the building envelope and the ASHP efficiency, b) the effect of wind speed and the convective heat transfer coefficient, c) the solar irradiance and the thermal mass of the wall, and d) the ASHP efficiency with the thermal mass of the envelope.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Jafri, Ahmed Raza

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Agelin Chaab, Martin
• Hangan, Horia

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1912

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1912