Testing, Integration, and Optimal Control Strategy of Residential Hybrid HVAC System

The Canadian federal government committed to encouraging low carbon alternatives and the growth of clean technology that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is stated that the new target is to reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050, relative to 2005 GHG levels. In order to achieve this goal, one of the government’s strategic plan is to promote systems and technologies that minimize natural gas/fossil fuel usage and increase the use of clean electricity. Although various research groups studied the potentials in energy consumption reduction in residential houses, hybrid integrated energy systems are found to be effective in reducing energy consumption and its associated operating cost and GHG emissions. However, their optimal control methodology is still lacking for cost-effective large-scale deployment and adoption of such hybrid residential HVAC systems in the Canadian residential sector. Therefore, this project will examine the benefits of a state-of-the-art cloud-based Smart Dual Fuel Switching System (SDFSS) of two sets of residential hybrid HVAC system of 1) electric air source heat pump (ASHP) and natural gas furnace (NGF) and 2) ASHP, electric water heater tank, and natural gas instantaneous hot water heater, for simultaneous reduction of energy cost and GHG emission.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alan Fung

Student:

Gulsun Demirezen

Partner:

Cricket Energy

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Ryerson University