NT-87-03-1 -- Introduction to Engine-Driven Heat Pumps — Concepts, Approach, and Economics PDF

Concerns about energy efficiency and economics have prompted the consideration of using heat pumps for space conditioning of residential and light commercial buildings. In current commercial practice, fuel is converted at a central electric station to provide power to heat pumps driven by an electric motor, with auxiliary heat provided by electric resistance. An obvious improvement in energy utilization would be to move the fuel conversion process from the central station to the point of use. Also, the use of a combustion engine directly driving a heat pump compressor would :allow the combustion engine’s waste heat to be utilized at the site to provide supplemental space heating or water heating. This improved utilization of fuel has given rise to the development of unitary combustion-engine-driven heat pumps in Europe, Japan, and the United States. A brief summary of some of the technical approaches that have been and are currently being pursued is presented along with several.system approaches. In addition, this paper addresses the energy and economic driving forces for the development of the unitary combustion-engine-driven heat pump. Finally, some of the institutional forces promoting and deterring the adoption of this technology in the United States are discussed.

Units: Dual