Design, development, and manufacturing of an ultra-efficient heat pump for cold climates

It is well known that space heating is the largest component of energy consumed by Canada’s building sector. Additionally, 64% of the energy used for space heating is from non-renewable sources. For Canada’s remote and rigid communities, which are our immediate target market, this percentage is even higher, greater than 75%. Heat energy naturally flows from higher to lower temperatures. However, heat pump-based technologies can transfer heat energy from lower to higher temperatures with the aid of an external energy source. Air-source heat pumps have several competitive advantages such as low cost, ease of installation, and best suitability for renewable energy sources. For cold climates, which are our target market, their adoption is limited due to low efficiency at temperatures below -10 oC and reduced heating capacity. Our proposed technology will address these challenges, especially lower efficiency at low temperatures.

Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Agelin-Chaab;Sheldon Williamson

Student:

Partner:

Terravis Energy

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Program: