Considerations in the Design and Selection of

Domestic Heating and Cooling Distribution and Ventilation Systems and their use with Residential Heat Pumps

 

In 1998 the IEA Heat Pump Centre (HPC) member country representatives raised the following questions:

• Have any performance comparisons of heat pump systems (with hydronic and forced-air distribution, or other systems) been carried out, to assess energy consumption, occupant comfort, indoor air quality and other relevant factors?

• What are preferred solutions for energy-efficient and economic heating in low-energy houses with balanced ventilation and heat recovery?

• How can the design and operation of combined ventilation and heat pump systems be improved to increase efficiency and air quality?

• What are the reasons for market differences between countries?

Objective
This survey aimed to describe and compare the features of current systems for residential heating and cooling distribution and ventilation, combined with heat pumps, with a focus on energy efficiency. The survey also looked into possible improvements, trends and the impact of these trends on the heat pump market.

 

Activities
The necessary data were obtained by studying the literature and interviewing experts from the various countries. The distribution and ventilation systems described were compared using the following criteria:

• How far do the systems match the required functions: heating, cooling, (de)humidification and ventilation?

• Energy efficiency of the entire space heating, cooling and ventilation system, i.e. the interaction between heat pump, distribution/ventilation system, and terminal units

• Energy efficiency of the distribution/ventilation system, including parasitic energy demand and distribution losses

• System economy

• Comfort and indoor air quality

• Constraints to, and promotion of, specific options through legislation and standardisation

Implementation
The project was implemented by the Heat Pump Centre/Novem, the Netherlands.

 

Publications
The project resulted in the following publication:

The reduced price will be charged for the Heat Pump Programme member countries. Click here for a list of the HPP member countries ›››.

• Domestic Heating and Cooling Distribution and Ventilation Systems and their use with Residential Heat Pumps
  Order No. HPC-AR-8. Published July 2001. 110 Pages. Full price € 120 and reduced price € 40.
  [Order the publication]

 

 

Last updated: 1 March 2004

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