The Heat Pump Journal June 2024

HEAT PUMP

The Total Hydronic Heat Pump Solution for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water

Residential Air-to-Water Heat Pump System featuring an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a steel buffer tank (20 gal). 3 sizes available: 20 to 51 MBH for cooling / 28 to 78 MBH for heating. Pairs with Vitocell 100 V indirect tanks.

Viessmann

HEAT PUMP

GEOTHERMAL

A PRIMER ON RESIDENTIAL GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP

SYSTEM DESIGN

Basic, yet critical elements create a finished product that isn’t a burden on technicians providing service and maintenance.

Jeff Hunter

ROAD WARRIOR:

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Ryan Waudby of Tom’s Heating and Cooling says realistically there’s no harm in every home having a heat pump.

Carolyn Cooper

DECARBONIZATION

HEAT PUMPS IN DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEMS: A WINNING MIX

Heat pumps with much larger capacities also have a significant role to play in the decarbonization of new and existing district energy (DE) systems.

Keith Bate

PILOT PROJECT

GAS ENGINE HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY TESTED IN REAL-WORLD SETTINGS

The pilot project will test the technology in buildings, while measuring energy savings and emission reductions, and gathering participant feedback. Carolyn Cooper

OTHER FEATURES

32TECHNOLOGY

Heat pump innovations enter field testing and deployment phases

Carolyn Cooper

39AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

System pros and cons

Kerry Turner

40CONTROLS

Enhance performance and sustainability: Select the best thermostat for the job

David McMichael and Gary Fabbro

DEPARTMENTS

46,48,50PRODUCTS

A showcase of heat pump technology.

58JOBSITE JARGON

Match the correct definition or meaning to the terminology you hear in the field and enter for your chance to win a VISA gift card.

Cover Photo: Bryan Reid Photography

By Carolyn Cooper

Heat pump innovations enter field testing and deployment phases

What to know about the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge

As of April 2024, eight HVAC equipment manufacturers have developed successful cold-climate heat pump prototypes as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge, which now moves into its final phase.

Manufacturers participating in the final phase are: Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox International, Midea, Trane Technologies and Rheem.

The challenge launched in 2021 with partners Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and is currently focused only on residential, centrally ducted, electric only heat pumps. The initiative challenges manufacturers to develop next-generation cold-climate heat pump (CCHP) technology, and is designed to boost heat pump deployment and adoption. It involves both private and public stakeholders working together to accelerate commercialization of efficient cold-climate electric heat pumps. Under the guidelines of the challenge, prototypes must “deliver 100 per cent heating capacity without the use of auxiliary heat and with significantly higher efficiencies at 5⁰F.” Manufacturers could participate in one or both of two segments of the challenge: one for a CCHP optimized for 5°F (-15°C) operation and one for a CCHP optimized for -15°F (-26°C) operation.

The prototype models were put to the test in a laboratory setting during the second phase of the challenge. Over the next year, more than 23 prototypes will be installed and monitored in cold-climate locations across Canada and the U.S. Meanwhile, almost 30 utilities, cooperatives and state agencies have committed to encouraging their customers to adopt heat pumps. The DOE says it will continue to work with these industry partners to “develop programs, incentives, education and outreach campaigns that help consumers better understand the benefits of these new designs.”

Manufacturers involved in the challenge have also committed to sharing quarterly updates on the preliminary results, any challenges they have experienced, and expected timelines to reach milestones.

Visit the DOE for updates on the challenge.

https://bit.ly/49qhgVK

Manufacturers involved in the challenge have committed to providing expected timelines to reach milestones.

Under the guidelines of the challenge, prototypes must “deliver 100 per cent heating capacity without the use of auxiliary heat and with significantly higher efficiencies at 5°F.” Manufacturers could participate in one or both of two segments of the challenge: one for a CCHP optimized for 5°F (-15°C) operation and one for a CCHP optimized for -15°F (-26°C) operation.

HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER

Wi-Fi connectivity to manage usage, receive notifications, and maximize comfort.

4x More Efficient Saves up to 75% on water heating bills.

Quick and Easy Install Integrated heat pump with choice of water connections and dry fire protection.

Environmentally Aware Meets changing consumer and building code requirements.

A. O. Smith/AO Smith

By Jeff Hunter

A primer on residential geothermal heat pump system design

Asuccessful ground source heat pump (GSHP) project starts with a well-planned system design. There are basic, yet critical elements to building out a practical design. These will ultimately lead to a finished product that meets end-user requirements; observes any site-specific installation considerations; ensures long-term reliability and performance of the equipment; and isn’t a burden on technicians providing service and maintenance.

The following steps can apply to both residential retrofits and new construction projects. An important note: this is a highlevel perspective on the design process. For more detail, refer to a current copy of the CSA-448 standard for the Design & Installation of Ground Source Heat Pump systems, along with IGSHPA (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) training courses/certifications, which in Canada are delivered through HRAI. Geothermal heat pump distributors will also provide equipmentspecific manufacturer training to support your design efforts.

Site assessment for ground heat exchanger

The first and most obvious difference between a GSHP project and any other type of system is the ground loop as the energy source/ sink. Perhaps sooner than you think, gone will be the days where we assume an infinite energy source is piped (by others) to our buildings for our endless consumption. With that luxury, we don’t have to think too deeply about the energy source. How often have you thought about what’s going on at the wellhead?

Closed-loop surface water heat pumps consist of piping coils submerged in a lake and heat pumps linked to the coils.

A good system design considers the service and maintenance over the GSHP’s lifetime.

As HVAC designers/installers, we’ve only had to consider that energy source as it pertains to sizing the gas piping into the building and the equipment. With geothermal, we’ll have to consider how the balance (or imbalance) of the building loads, the variation in equipment selection, the ground conditions, and local weather conditions will among other things all impact our onsite energy source. While finite, the ground heat exchanger is a generational thermal energy infrastructure asset if managed properly. Whether we are assessing this for a new build project or looking to retrofit an existing home, these critical considerations can make or break a project, so do your homework.

Jeff Hunter is co-founder and president of Evolved Thermal Energy Inc. and is president of the Ontario Geothermal Association.

EDEN ENERGY

Understanding the available land area upfront will help guide the first steps of your system design. Generally speaking, it will be reasonably clear what type of ground heat exchanger the project will use with a quick look at the site plan. Ultimately, the ground heat exchanger chosen for the project will be the most cost-effective of the options available to meet the project’s needs. However, there are nuances to the choice between each system type, be it horizontal trenched, horizontal drilled, vertical, or surface water (closed loop). Careful examination will determine the best ground heat exchanger type and placement. Dimensions of the field (circuit design and overall length) and length of lateral supply/return runouts are not static; every project is different. Each closed-loop system type can be manipulated based on site conditions. Designers may follow Annex D of CSA-448 for a multiple-measure method of ground heat exchanger sizing, which references minimum lengths as specified in table D.4. Or, more commonly, by using a manufacturer or third-party software with approved modelling algorithms. Watch out for making assumptions with the ground loop. Ground conditions can change dramatically from site to site (even in the same region). Researching subsurface conditions is an essential part of ground heat exchanger selection and design. Work with your resources, such as water well records and geological maps. The homeowner, local contractors, and geothermal drillers in the industry are a wealth of knowledge and are usually willing to help you. Open loop systems may also be an option depending on local regulations, available water quantity, and water quality.

Load calculation and energy analysis

We know how to calculate loads with HRAI/CSA F-280 or Manual J. It is imperative, whether it is new construction or a retrofit project, to have an accurate room-by-room load calculation to support a proper system design. Quick block load calculations may only be used to help get the ball rolling on a preliminary basis for a project. Still, I always want a full F-280 to confirm any assumptions we’ve made before committing to a final system design.

One thing to highlight here as something I’ve seen missed quite frequently by designers and contractors is the use of typical/textbook R-values/UValues/SHGC for envelope components and assemblies. This could be particularly impactful with higher-performance new builds where heating and cooling loads may be more balanced or, in some cases, cooling dominant. For example, glazing can be critical to the ultimate design and must be correctly accounted for. If the designer just used standardized U/SHGC values in their load calculation, this could influence ground heat exchanger length so be sure to get the values based on the manufacturer’s specifications for the actual window assembly used on the project. Errors here can have significant downstream impacts.

With a GSHP system, we are not stopping at the load calculation. We are feeding that data into energy analysis software to model the system’s long-term performance as we’ve specified (ground loop + building load + equipment selection). Residential-focused geothermal design software will typically use the “bin method” to estimate the amount of energy a system will use over a year and multiple years, considering outside temperatures throughout the year and incorporating those part-load conditions. This modelling is where the load calculation and the ground heat exchanger construction collide with the equipment selection to verify our design, plotted over the lifecycle of the system.

Glazing can be critical to the ultimate design and must be correctly accounted for.

Photo Pella

GEOTHERMAL

Equipment

selection

A conversation with the end user usually drives the equipment selection. What are we trying to achieve in the house? What are the homeowners’ goals and constraints? Is it a straightforward forced-air retrofit or a new construction design combining hydronics, forced air and DHW?

Knowing what the client is looking for and where they sit with their budget will ultimately lead us to our equipment selection, together with any building specific or technical constraints that may impact our selections such as they don’t want ductwork but want to cool in certain spaces. Or, the client wants the highest efficiency mechanical and DHW system on the planet but wants it to fit into a broom closet. There is equipment to meet any need, but there is no magic here – there is the “ideal” application that nets the optimal results, and there are trade-offs for every degree off the ideal application we venture.

An example of this is “triple-function/combo” GSHPs. They are designed for tight spaces, combining the functionality of a water-to-air and water-to-water in one box. In new construction, where we often see radiant in-floor and forced air together, designers may default

Knowing what the client is looking for and where they sit with their budget will ultimately lead us to our equipment selection, together with any building specific or technical constraints that may impact our selections such as they don’t want ductwork but want to cool in certain spaces

to these “triple function/combo” units. This can be a mistake as there are generally better ways, especially if mechanical space allows. Our goals should be to reduce the complexity of the mechanical system, allow for redundancy/emergency backup, and ultimately configure the system for the highest performance/greatest ROI potential within the customer’s budget.

There is much more to discuss beyond this overview of key aspects of the residential geothermal design process. Incorporating geothermal system design into your portfolio is not a giant leap for those already involved with HVAC design. A background in hydronic/ radiant design, load calculations, duct design, and energy modelling will significantly benefit the learning process. Find a local geothermal distributor to support your design efforts as they have a wealth of knowledge on the products they supply.

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS HPJ

Heat pump system comparison

The following is an overview of the pros and cons of different types of air source heat pump (ASHP) systems. In addition, the ideal scenarios for each type of system are highlighted.

Table 1 Pros and cons of different ASHP systems

PROS

• Effective solution for homes with central ducting

• Indoor units can be smaller than many conventional furnaces

• More energy-efficient and cost-effective than oil or electric resistance heat

CONS IDEAL FOR

• Upgrading of electrical connection may be required to accommodate new system

• Existing ducting in older homes may need to be improved/upgraded

• Larger homes with central heating and cooling (forced air system) having existing ductwork in good condition*

• Easy and quick installation by qualified professionals

• Require no ductwork

• Cost-effective method to heat individual rooms or zones that are routinely occupied

• Using multiple ductless systems improves HVAC system reliability

• Each indoor unit serves a single zone or room rather than the entire home

• Indoor wall units take more space and may look bulky to some

• Small or large homes with baseboard heating and no ductwork

• Concealed equipment improves visual appeal

• Quieter operation than other ASHP systems

• Can be a cheaper alternative to multi-head ductless ASHPs

• Effective solution for rooms with smaller heat loads

• Lower efficiency than ductless ASHPs

• Installation of ducting is challenging in some existing homes

• Small or large homes with baseboard heating, no ductwork and easy access to install ducting

*Assessments of existing ducting should always be completed to determine condition, identify any issues, and ensure that it is well-suited to accommodate a new ducted ASHP system.

Courtesy Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC)

Enhance performance and sustainability:

Select the best thermostat for the job

In the evolving HVAC system landscape, heat pumps have emerged as a standout technology because it offers both heating and cooling capability with remarkable efficiency. As HVAC mechanical contractors, architects, engineers, and residential contractors strive to optimize these systems, the selection of appropriate controls, particularly thermostats, is pivotal.

Every installer or industry professional should consider heat pump control dynamics and control types when specifying controls for these systems. The goal with specifying controls should always be to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and satisfaction for the end user.

David McMichael and Gary Fabbro are with The Master Group. McMichael is a digital marketing specialist and Fabbro is director of business development residential.

The controls for heat pumps must be capable of managing reversible cycles, catering to both heating and cooling demands.

Understand the dynamics

Heat pump systems differ from traditional HVAC systems in their operation and efficiency. The controls for these systems must be capable of managing reversible cycles, catering to both heating and cooling demands. The thermostat, as the primary interface, plays a critical role in ensuring the system operates effectively, adapting to the unique requirements of heat pump technology.

Thermostat control types

As heat pump systems continue to gain traction for their efficiency and versatility, the selection of appropriate controls will become increasingly important. By focusing on compatibility, intelligent temperature management, energy efficiency, and user convenience, HVAC professionals will find confidence in thermostats that enhance the performance and sustainability of heat pump systems.

In specifying controls for heat pump systems, it is important to consider not only the immediate functional requirements but also the long-term operational efficiency and user satisfaction. Prioritizing the key features below will help HVAC professionals maximize the potential of heat pump technology. Continuing to use new thermostat technology and features will not only improve the experience for homeowners but also help to reinforce broader energy conservation efforts, aligning with the industry’s move towards more sustainable solutions.

Traditional 24V controller: 24V controllers are popular for consumers and installed primarily on single or two stage heat pump systems. They are capable of oneway communication, simple on-off switching. In recent years, many inverter heat pump manufacturers have added the capability of using 24V controls with these systems but lack some of the additional features of manufacturer proprietary communicating controls for inverter-based systems. Most professional heat pump thermostats today include a range of additional usability features that give the installer maximum customizability to meet their customer’s needs.

Manufacturers of modern inverter heat pumps offer communicating controllers.

HPJ

Matched communicating controller: Manufacturers of modern inverter heat pumps offer controls that communicate constantly with indoor and outdoor equipment and the environment. Communicating controllers are capable of two-way communication to both send and receive information continously. Because they are constantly communicating, these controls process much more data and have enhanced features, settings and functionality compared to traditional 24V “on/off” controls. These enhanced features provide more accurate temperature control, increased comfort, have advanced diagnostic information and utilize algorithms designed to maximize efficiency.

Key features

Compatibility and integration: Ensure the thermostat is fully compatible with the heat pump model and its various modes of operation, including emergency heat, auxiliary heat, and multistage functionalities. Integration with existing home automation systems and compatibility with smart devices enhances user control and system adaptability.

By David McMichael and Gary Fabbro

insights into their usage patterns, promoting more sustainable practices.

Remote access and control: With the rise of smart home technology, thermostats that offer remote access through smartphones or web interfaces are increasingly preferred. This allows users to adjust settings on-the-go, ensuring comfort while maximizing energy savings.

A clear and intuitive interface is essential for user satisfaction.

Intelligent temperature management: Advanced thermostats offer features such as adaptive learning and predictive start, which adjust the start time of the heating or cooling cycle to reach the desired temperature precisely when needed. This results in improved comfort and energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency optimization: Look for thermostats with energy-saving features, such as programmable settings, eco-modes, and usage analytics. These features not only reduce energy consumption but also provide users with

Geofencing technology: Some advanced thermostats utilize geofencing to automatically adjust settings based on the user’s location, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency without manual intervention.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring: Thermostats that monitor and report on IAQ can trigger the heat pump system to ventilate the home when necessary, ensuring a healthy indoor environment.

User-friendly interface: Large displays, touch-screen capabilities, and easy-to-navigate menus make it simpler for users to adjust settings and understand their system’s performance. Traditional 24V thermostats are popular due to their more user-friendly menu and interface but manufacturer branded controllers are closing the gap on design and functionality.

Durability and reliability: Given the critical role of thermostats in the overall performance of heat pump systems, selecting units known for their durability and reliability is crucial. This ensures long-term performance and reduces the likelihood of system downtime.

Technical support and warranty: Select thermostats backed by comprehensive technical support and solid warranties. This not only provides peace of mind but also ensures any issues can be promptly addressed, minimizing impact on system performance.

ROAD WARRIOR

Name: Ryan Waudby

Nickname: Waudby

Company: Tom’s Heating and Cooling

Job title: President

Born and live in: Peterborough, ON

Age: 39

Ryan Waudby: Focus on business

Ryan Waudby didn’t initially plan on staying in the skilled trades after working at his father’s company while in high school, but once he returned to Tom’s Heating and Cooling his experience in the retail world proved to be a significant advantage for the family business.

After completing a business degree and working as a retail business analyst and a store general manager, Waudby returned to the Peterborough, ON company in 2011, eventually buying it from his father in 2019. “It was a very interesting time for taking over a company, with some pretty good challenges right out of the gate,” he laughs. “But COVID forced us to work on the business side of things.” As a result, says Waudby, “from May 2020 to right now we’ve grown 350 per cent.”

During COVID Waudby focused on boosting efficiency, which included transitioning the company to online accounting software, signing up with a cloud-based field service management app, organizing and revamping the inventory system and office, and introducing customer service plans. “I also looked at

different tools and innovations that we could use in the business, and we made sure we got more training completed. And I made sure to set things up to highlight our business on a digital platform. So when everybody else was kind of bowing out of advertising I doubled down. I knew that we were going to bounce back.”

Today the company is busy with residential and light commercial installations, service and maintenance work, and has four technicians on the road. Heat pump installations have been a big part of the company’s work, thanks in part to the federal Greener Homes Grant. “I think it was a big push for people, but the difference in cost [for heat pumps] now is not as far as it used to be between AC and a heat pump. The industry is leading us this way, which is incredible, because realistically there’s no harm in every home having a heat pump. Everyone can benefit from knowing they’re doing better overall for our environment by cutting as much carbon emissions as possible. “We’re seeing a lot more electric, which is a different shift for us” he adds. “On heat pumps, we

have been focusing on the side discharge units because new construction houses are getting closer and closer together. We don’t have a lot of space to work anymore.”

Waudby admits that educating customers about heat pumps can be a challenge, either due to lack of understanding how the technology works, or because they are not familiar with newer, more efficient models. “The way the technology is built, it’s able to work at a more efficient rate than it ever has in the past,” he says. Not surprisingly, Waudby says he always has plans for the business, and is currently working to grow Tom’s Heating and Cooling in the Lindsay, ON area. “We’d like to expand further, but we need to make sure that it’s managed growth.” Building brand awareness remains a priority, and Waudby notes that the company is heavily involved in local charities, events and the surrounding community. “Small steps of working on the business have made huge steps forward in our community in what we were able to do,” he says. “Most people forget to work on the company, not for it. Especially as a business owner, that’s your job. You’re not just an employee, you are the business. So if you’re working on it, everything else will follow.”

By Carolyn Cooper

Your favourite tool in your toolbox: HouseCall Pro Software

Favourite band: The Tragically Hip

Favourite magazine: Ontario Out of Doors

Favourite book: The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

Band of Brothers Superbad is always good for a laugh

Favourite sport: Hockey

Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: Any Strategic Games on PC

Favourite season: Fall

Favourite outdoor activity: Hunting/fishing

Favourite place to be: Out with nature

Hobbies: Camping, fishing, hunting, and gaming with friends

In the mechanical industry since: 2011

Schools and programs: Algonquin College, Business; Durham College, Gas Tech 3

Favourite teacher: Warren Chambers

Favourite class: Public speaking

Best advice you’ve ever received: Don’t sweat the small stuff

Advice for young people considering entering the trades: Work hard and take in everything you can. Stay focused on your goals and continually seek out further training.

The current work ride: 2022 Dodge Ram 1500

Service area: Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Favourite part of the job? Building relationships and being able to help the local community

Biggest pet peeves: People who make excuses instead of taking ownership for their actions

One place in the world you would like to visit: Mediterranean region

One word or phrase that describes you: Adventurous

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be? Gord Downey

Finish these sentences:

My rule of thumb is ... you are the company you keep.

If I had a million dollars ... I would invest it into a trust for my daughter so she would get a head start on life.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a ... stockbroker.

If I had a super power, it would be ... the ability to travel incredibly fast and speak any language that was presented to me.

TIGHT SPACES. QUIET PLACES.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.

Rheem® Endeavor ® Line Classic Plus® Series

Compatible with nearly any existing HVAC system—or as a universal replacement1—the EcoNet® enabled Rheem Endeavor Line Classic Plus Series RD17AZ Universal Heat Pump excels in all install situations. And as part of our Sound & Space Constraint Solution, it features a compact footprint, making it the perfect solution when space is at a premium.

To learn more, visit our website

Air

Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump

RD17AZ

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

• Optimal performance, compact design

• EcoNet ® enabled, ENERGY STAR ® certified

• Boasting efficiency up to 19SEER2, 12EER2 & beyond

• Experience 70% capacity, even at -15C˚

• Sound as low as 58dBA

HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS

Inverter AC and heat pump

Energy tracking

Ecopilot integrates with a building’s automation system and uses AI to balance temperatures throughout the building. The unit uses real-time indoor data, weather forecasts and the building’s capacity for thermal mass to continuously calculate the energy balance and adjust heating, cooling and ventilation every two minutes. An analysis tool also tracks energy consumption savings, building conditions, and indoor climate consistency.

www.

ecopilotai.com

Air to water system

Goodman introduces the Goodman SD, a line of split system, sidedischarge air conditioners and heat pumps designed to optimize space and performance. The inverter-driven, variable-speed units are a compact, high-efficiency solution for small spaces in backyards, rooftops or patios. With performance as low as 56 dBA and 45 dBA in quiet mode, Goodman SD air conditioners deliver up to 17.2 SEER2, with cooling up to 115⁰F, while heat pumps reach up to 17.5 SEER2 and 8.5 HSPF2, with heating down to 10⁰F. www. goodmanmfg.com

Sustainable units

The Lennox Enlight heat pump is powered by the Lennox CORE control system of connected service. The line offers customers the flexibility to customize configurations to suit the application. Units include gas-electric and electricelectric models, and heat pump and dual fuel heat pump models. Units offer up to 18 SEER, and feature a coil system that contains up to 52 per cent less refrigerant and is up to 59 per cent lighter than traditional coil systems. www. lennoxcommercial.com

The Vitocal 100-AW residential air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) system from Viessmann is a total solution for heating, cooling and domestic hot water in new construction and retrofit projects. The system pairs with Vitocell 100-V indirectfired domestic hot water tanks, and is available in three sizes – 1.5, 3, and 4.3 tons for cooling, and 20.5, 34 and 58 MBH for heating – and features an outdoor unit, an indoor unit with integrated system pump and digital controller, and a 20-gallon steel buffer tank. The AWHP is fully electric, and future-ready with R-32 low GWP refrigerant.

www. viessmann.ca

Quiet and compact

KeepRite’s QuietComfort compact heat pump is designed to fit a narrow lot. The unit has a cooling capacity of 1.5 to 5 tons, gets up to an 18 SEER2 cooling rating, and operates as quiet as 54 decibels. The heat pump uses R-410A refrigerant, and is durable and corrosion resistant. Featuring built-in 24V interface, the unit is compatible with KeepRite gas furnaces, coils and fan coils.

www.

keeprite.com

Amana brand AHVE

115V Air Handling Unit

The new Amana brand 115V indoor air handler, specifically engineered for the Amana S-series system, is an all-electric solution that can replace an existing gas furnace without upgrading the electrical breaker to a 230V circuit. This electrical upgrade is typically required and costly when retrofitting an existing gas furnace to an all-electric heat pump system, but fortunately, it’s not necessary with the new Amana 115V Air Handler.

No wonder the Amana brand is known as America’s brand for comfort. Learn more at www.amana-hac.com

Combined with the Amana brand S-series heat pump, the new 115V air handler system o ers optimal flexibility and comfort for most applications.

Select Amana brand S-series models meet the requirements for Canada Greener Homes. Ask your local Daikin contractor for more information.

Amana

HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS

Air to water unit

The Quantech QTH1 AWHP features inverter scroll design for a broad operating range, delivering up to 60°C water in heating capacities up to 443 MBH (heating only mode) and 546 MBH (in simultaneous heating and cooling mode). The units feature two-pipe or four-pipe design, with a COP up to 8.1 in simultaneous heating and cooling. The 35-ton modules use low GWP R-454B refrigerant, and are scalable up to 140 tons. The units offer partload performance year-round and have a cooling EER of 10.2. www. master.ca

Mini-split ductless unit

The Conforto Maximum mini-split ductless heat pump series from Granby Industries offers a flexible heating and cooling solution for residential and commercial multi-zone applications. The zero-emissions units’ compact, indoor/outdoor design make them suitable where a ducted solution is not practical. The indoor unit monitors air temperature and self-adjusts system performance for optimal energy efficiency. www. confortohvac.com

Hybrid water heat pump

Rheem ProTerra hybrid

AWHPs feature zero clearance requirements, up to 4 UEF ratings for reduced water heating costs, built-in LED control screen, demand response scheduling, and integrated Wi-Fi to connect to the EcoNet app to monitor hot water usage and system status. The units are ENERGY STAR-certified, and come with integrated LeakGuard and LeakSense technology to automatically turn off water flow when leaks are detected. www. rheem.ca

Remote controller

Sinopé Technologies introduces a smart ductless interface to remotely control ductless heat pumps and heating systems such as electric baseboards and heated floors. The interface plugs directly into the port of compatible ductless heat pumps to offer smart control features. It is compatible with the Éco Sinopé feature to align smart devices with power utilities’ peak events and time-of-use rates. Time, geofencing, device automation and voice control are also available using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. www.

sinopetech.com

Muti-zone unit

The AURORA heat pump from Daikin Comfort Technologies is engineered for use in extreme weather, with up to 100 per cent heating capacity at -15°C, and efficiency to -25°C. The inverter- driven, multi-zone unit has up to 9.7 HSPF2 (heating), 20 SEER2 and 12 SEER2 (cooling) efficiencies. Featuring a compact design for simple installation and service, the unit runs as low as 19dB(A) indoors and 49 dB(A) outdoors. The heat exchanger anticorrosion treatment adds performance. www. daikincomfort.com

-30°C

UNIX SERIES

HIGH-EFFICIENCY CENTRAL HEAT PUMPS WITH CASED COILS

Heat pump combination AHRI Certified for installation with ANY 3rd party furnace.

ROOFTOP

COLD CLIMATE DC INVERTER HEAT PUMP

Two-stage, two-cylinder compression and hot gas injection for unparalleled heating efficiency.

Eligible to financial incentives in certain provinces, contact us for more detail.

SPARE PARTS

TO FULLY SUPPORT OUR DEALER NETWORK

OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR IN CANADA

*GREE Canada is not responsible for warranty on units sold outside GREE Canada’s sales channel. For more detail, contact our team at proservice@gree.ca

HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS

Split systems

The Amana S-series split systems are engineered for traditional ducted applications, offering connectivity with heat pumps, gas furnace or dual fuel systems. With just 4 in. of clearance needed, the units are suited to zero-lot-line yards. Easy to transport and install, the systems use existing line sets, connecting up to 100 ft. of pipe. Inverter compressors deliver up to 8.6 HSPF2, and 17.5 SEER2.

www.

amana-hac.com

CONFORTO

MAXIMUM HEAT PUMP

The perfect blend of comfort & convenience with heat pump inverting technology.

Three-mode operation

The YVWH-200 water-to-water variable speed dual screw heat pump from York provides 4,050 MBH (1,186 kW) heating and 200 tons (703 kW) cooling. The unit uses ultra-low GWP R-1234ze refrigerant. Featuring three-mode operation – heating only, cooling only or simultaneous heating and cooling – the units deliver water temperatures up to 176⁰F (80⁰C), lower annual energy costs, and up to 30 per cent less water consumption compared to a conventional chiller and boiler system.

www. york.com

• Ductless systems use our sleek wall or ceiling mounted indoor air handlers, with a single or multi-zone outdoor condenser to deliver precise temperature control of one or more rooms.

• Advanced heat pump variable speed technology provides year-round cooling and heating solutions in extreme weather conditions.

• Maximum energy efficiency ratings qualify for utility rebates. ENERGY STAR® Certified.

• Auto Restart - if system shuts down due to power failure, system will restart with previous function settings when power is restored.

Conforto/Granby

Low ambient system

Islandaire’s EZ Series LA − low ambient heat pump/variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is a variable speed compressor that operates as a heat pump down to -5⁰F. The system has an Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class rating of 28, and a Sound Transmission Class rating of 37. Back-up dual stage electric heat is also available.

www. islandaire.com

The Cleaner Way to Heat

Global Warming Potential of 1.0

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By Keith Bate

Heat pumps in district energy systems: A winning mix

The North American heat pump market is experiencing unprecedented growth. The majority of these are air source heat pumps for single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings. Growth is being driven by increasing awareness of carbon emissions, government policy and incentives, and the increasing need for cooling in our homes.

Heat pumps with much larger capacities also have a significant role to play in the decarbonization of new and existing district energy (DE) systems. Integrating heat pumps with district energy can offer many benefits when compared to individual building systems.

CENTRALIZED ENERGY CENTRE

What is a heat pump?

At the most basic level, a heat pump moves heat, or thermal energy, from one place to another using a refrigeration cycle. The residential heat pumps mentioned have an indoor unit connected with refrigerant piping to an outdoor unit. The compressor is generally located in the outdoor unit. The heat pump is reversible, moving heat from inside to outside in cooling mode and moving heat from outside to inside in heating mode.

DE systems use a network of water piping, usually but not always buried, to transfer heating and/or cooling from a centralized location, usually referred to as an energy centre, to individual buildings. Heat pumps for DE applications all therefore transfer thermal energy to or from a water loop and fall into three categories:

Air Source Heat Pumps

Most air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have two pipe connections and can produce either chilled water or heating water, rejecting heat to the outside air or extracting heat from the outside air respectively. Think

THE DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM DIRECTLY PROVIDES HEATING AND COOLING TO BUILDINGS BUILDINGS ONLY RECEIVE THERMAL ENERGY

HEATING WATER DISTRIBUTION CHILLED WATER DISTRIBUTION

ALL HEATING AND/OR CHILLED WATER GENERATION IS IN THE ENERGY CENTRE

of a two-pipe ASHP as a reversible air-cooled chiller. Four-pipe ASHPs are also available and can produce both at the same time and recover heat between the systems.

Water To Water Heat Pumps

Water to water heat pumps (W2WHPs) cool one water loop and use that thermal energy to heat another water loop. A W2WHP is very similar to a watercooled chiller but operates with a larger supply temperature difference between the two loops, referred to as the lift.

Water Source Heat Pumps

Water source heat pumps (WSHPs) heat or cool air, extracting heat from or rejecting heat to a water loop respectively. Small WSHPs are a widely used solution for heating and cooling of commercial and residential buildings where the piping system is usually referred to as a condenser loop.

The efficiency of a heat pump is quantified by the coefficient of performance (CoP). The CoP is the ratio Keith Bate is director of engineering at CREATIVENERGY in Vancouver, BC.

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DECARBONIZATION

of the heating or cooling energy produced to the electrical energy used. CoPs are generally in the range of 2 to 6, and if a heat pump is producing both useful heating and cooling CoPs can start to approach 10. A larger difference in temperature between the two sides of the heat pump generally results in lower CoP as the heat pump works harder to move the energy. Each heat pump has a maximum lift, as well as limits on operating temperature on both sides.

Generations described

The evolution of district heating (DH) has gone through three generations since its introduction. It is characterized by the type of transport media and the network temperature levels: the 1st generation DH system is a steam-based system; the 2nd generation DH uses high network supply temperature above 100°C; and the 3rd generation DH represents the current DH system with medium network supply temperature between 80°C to 100°C. Up until now, the 4th generation DH as the low temperature district heating (LTDH) is emerging as a new system, which is going to replace the existing 3rd generation DH system.

From IEA DHC Annex X Report: Toward 4th Generation District Heating

DE system generations

DE systems are often categorized by generations. While heat pumps can be integrated with 3rd generation DE systems, they are most widely used for 4th generation systems.

There are two types of 4th generation DE systems that use heat pumps. The first has the heat pumps located in a centralized energy centre from where heating water and, if cooling is provided, chilled water is distributed to customer buildings. The second is what is referred to by the International Energy Agency (IEA) document as a thermal source network (TSN), also known as an ambient network system.

DE systems with centralized heat pumps

As defined in the IEA document, 4th generation systems operate below 70°C. This is hot enough to heat domestic water to the 60°C temperature needed to prevent legionella growth, yet low enough that heat pumps can be used to produce heat. Many new DE systems in North America provide both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are a perfect fit for this type of system. W2WHPs can be used to simultaneously produce both heating and chilled water and

recover energy between the two systems.

W2WHPs can also be used to capture low grade sources of heat to produce useful heating water. Sewer heat recovery is an example of this, which is seeing increasing adoption for DE applications. Sewer temperatures are generally in the range of 15°C to 25°C all year, allowing for W2WHP CoPs of three to four when providing heating water at 60°C to 70°C.

Large bodies of water, including rivers, lakes and the sea, can also be a source of thermal energy for a W2WHP. These same heat sources can be used as a heat sink for cooling, resulting in very high heat pump CoPs in cooling mode. Most commercially available air source heat pumps cannot provide heating water above 60°C, at lower outdoor air temperatures heating water temperatures are generally limited to around 40°C. This is a result of the maximum lift described above. For centralized heat pump DE systems, ASHPs can be used to produce low temperature water at around 30°C as the heat source for a W2WHP, which would then produce the higher temperature water needed by the DE system.

Refrigerants

From 2025, under the Montreal Protocol, only heat pumps using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 750 will be available in North America. Most equipment suppliers are currently using HFO refrigerants but as regulations are further tightened in the future, we can expect to see equipment using natural refrigerants such as CO2, propane and ammonia, which are currently mainly used for industrial and process applications.

Source low-grade heat

There are many benefits to integrating heat pumps with district energy systems rather than having individual heat pumps for each building.

Heat pumps integrated with DE systems:

• Can access and negotiate agreements with sources of low-grade heat, which are not generally viable for individual buildings, such as municipal sewers or data centres.

• Are able to share energy between buildings, so that heat rejected from cooling in one building can be a heat source for another.

• Can achieve economies of scale, both by using less but larger equipment, and by reducing total plant capacity by accounting for diversity between individual building peak demands.

• Have a lower risk of refrigerant leaks, which are a source of chemical pollution and GHG emissions.

• Will be professionally maintained and operated, which is critical to achieve effective and efficient long-term operation.

Thermal Source Network

A TSN has a single set of distribution piping operating with a wide temperature range which is generally close to the external air temperature, hence the term ambient. Each building connected to a TSN utilizes heat pumps, which either extract heat from the loop to provide heating or reject heat to the loop to provide cooling. Heat pumps can be

either W2WHPs, providing heating and chilled water to serve terminal units such as fan coils, or WSHPs, providing conditioned air directly to occupied spaces.

One of the benefits of a TSN is that several different solutions can be used to maintain the temperature of the network within the design range. Low-grade heat sources, such as geo-exchange, sewer heat recovery, and waste heat from industrial processes or data centres, are all viable options.

LOW-GRADE ENERGY SOURCE

LOW-GRADE ENERGY SOURCE

HEAT PUMPS IN BUILDINGS TO CONVERT LOW-GRADE ENERGY TO HEATING AND COOLING BUILDINGS CAN EXTRACT AND EXPORT ENERGY

SOURCE NETWORK

MULTIPLE LOW-GRADE ENERGY SOURCES CAN BE CONNECTED TO THE NETWORK

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Gas engine heat pump technology tested in real-world settings

This winter FortisBC Energy Inc. installed equipment at three BC seniors residences as part of a new gas engine heat pump (GEHP) pilot project using natural gas or renewable natural gas.

“Before FortisBC recommends or provides rebates on new technologies and programs, our innovative technologies team performs pilots in real homes and businesses to evaluate the energysaving potential, reliability and customer acceptance,” says Lauren Beckett, corporation communications advisor at FortisBC. “One of FortisBC’s current pilot programs is to test gas engine heat pumps in buildings.”

The three seniors residences included the Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, which received almost $195,000 in FortisBC rebates and where four GEHPs were installed; and two Baptist Housing locations in White Rock and Victoria, which received a total of nine units and approximately $450,000 in rebates. Yanmar Energy Systems’ GEHP provides high-efficiency heating and cooling, as well as domestic hot water and ventilation services.

Installation began at the three sites in December 2023, and commissioning was completed by April 2024. Because the units were installed on the roof using existing piping and ducting systems, Beckett says there was minimal interference with the daily operations of the residences. “The existing heating systems at all the buildings are still in place to be used only for peak demand,” she adds.

The pilot project will test the technology in the buildings, while measuring energy savings and emission reductions, and gathering participant feedback.

“For senior living and care homes, it’s important to have comfortable and safe living spaces and this includes regulating the temperature inside the building,” says Beckett. “Manufacturers of gas heat pumps claim that they can achieve efficiencies greater than 100 per cent for heating and can also be used for supplemental cooling. This means buildings with an existing electric cooling system can help meet additional cooling load with a gas heat pump. In addition, these pilot projects intend to verify that installing highefficiency gas equipment helps reduce energy use, monthly energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Beckett adds that “Hawthorne also wanted additional heating and cooling for their residents. The GEHP was the perfect solution as they felt the need for supplementary cooling was required, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Building participants are expected to save roughly 840 GJ of energy over a heating season, says Beckett, something the pilot project should confirm. “As part of the urgent need to lower emissions, FortisBC’s goal is to identify gas systems that are more than 100 per cent efficient to ensure our customers have a choice in how they can heat their homes and buildings while lowering emissions. In some cases, a gas heating system may be the most cost-effective

and least complex option. FortisBC expects to see that this will help provide better temperature control in seniors living and care settings. In addition, we anticipate that gas heat pumps will provide a viable alternative option to electrification for organizations with existing gas equipment.”

The mechanical teams

Building Energy Solutions Ltd.

Engineering consultant

Slopeside Mechanical Systems

Contractor and installer at Baptist Housing in White Rock, BC.

SMR Plumbing & Heating

Contractor and installer at Baptist Housing in Victoria, BC

Hardy Mechanical Services Limited

Contractor and installer at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, BC.

The gas engine heat pump installation at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, BC.

The gas engine heat pump system at Baptist Housing at Evergreen Terrace in White Rock, BC.

WHEN YOU’RE UP HERE, RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE MATTER MOST.

Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by June 21, 2024 and enter for your chance to win a $150 Visa gift card. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.

JOBSITE JARGON

EXAMPLE: 5) Carbon footprint I) Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by an individual, organization, event, service, or product expressed by carbon dioxide equivalent

 Answer 5,I

Thank you for participating!

A) Receives refrigerant in the form of hot gas from the compressor and cools it into a warm liquid, which is then moved to the evaporator coil where it expands and cools

B) Amount of thermal energy a heat pump releases to warm a space, measured in BTUs

C) Allows increased refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil

D) Ground-source heat pump in which refrigerant circulates through a pipe buried in the ground to collect thermal energy

E) Heat pump that collects thermal energy from water and transfers it to indoor air or to water that is used to provide warmth through a radiant heating system

F) Pair of copper tubes that connect a condenser to an evaporator so refrigerant can move between the two

G) Controls the flow of refrigerant into a direct expansion evaporator based on signals it receives from an electronic controller using a thermistor

H) A type of heat pump that extracts heat from the air and transfers it elsewhere to raise or lower the temperature of a space

I) Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by an individual, organization, event, service, or product expressed by carbon dioxide equivalent

J) Component of the air handler that works together with the outdoor unit’s condenser coil to complete the heat transfer cycle

K) Uses an inverter, or variable speed drive

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Additional Information:

Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy efficiency rating that is available from your retailer.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ENGINEERED FOR COMPATIBILITY WITH DAIKIN FIT.

Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy e ciency rating that is available from your retailer.

Select Daikin FIT models meet the requirements for Canada Greener Homes. Ask your local Daikin contractor for more information.

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