Feasibility of Hybrid Ground-Source Heat Pumps for Sustainable Heating in Cold Climates

Using fossil fuels in building heating systems is greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive, leading to global warming. Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) are cleaner electric alternatives to fossil fuel systems. They utilize and
transport heat from the ground to warm buildings. However, prolonged use of GSHPs can lead to a phenomenon known as thermal imbalance, which depletes the ground heat content and decreases soil temperature reducing
the performance of GSHPs. Additionally, GSHPs are expensive compared to traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems. To address these issues, this study explores the feasibility of a hybrid GSHP system, which combines a
GSHP with a natural gas furnace. The aim is to optimize the operation of the hybrid system to have minimal initial/operating cost, and emissions while maintaining high energy efficiency.

Faculty Supervisor:

Carey Simonson

Student:

Partner:

City of Saskatoon

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Public administration; Utilities

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: