Combined Building Integrated PV/Thermal (BIPV/T)Collector with Two-stage Variable Capacity AirSource Heat Pump for Net-Zero Energy BuildingApplications

Incorporating the Two-stage Variable Capacity Air Source Heat Pump (TS-VC-ASHP) into
Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) system has the potential to reduce building
heating and cooling costs and dependence on non-renewable heating fuels. ASHPs could
boost the quality and quantity of heat output of a BIPV/T system by delivering a seasonal
Coefficient of Performance (COP) of between 2.0 and 4.0, which means 2-4 times more
energy output than the amount of energy (electricity) consumed.
When used in Canada’s cold climates, however, ASHPs alone have been found to
underperform at low temperatures due to the scarcity of heat that may be pumped out of the
atmosphere. One solution to this is the two-stage VC-ASHP which can provide a higher COP
at very low winter outdoor temperatures. The incorporation of PV/T and two-stage variable
capacity ASHP into building integrated sloped roof, flat roof and curtain wall solutions in
existing residential and commercial buildings will furthermore have the potential to lower
overall costs of such systems..TOBECONT’D.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alan Fung

Student:

Partner:

Toronto Atmospheric Fund;Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (Toronto, ON);Reliance Home Comfort;Toronto Metropolitan University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: