Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems in Ontario

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The research project will involve developing multiple optimized GSHP models for a range of residential and commercial buildings in northern Ontario spanning over 800 to 500,000 square feet. The modeling will involve optimization and LCA, and these tasks will be performed using the Ground Loop Design (GLD) software and GaBi LCA software, respectively. These models will help to optimize the entire life cycle cost, which includes the cost of installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal. The underlying challenge in this research is to integrate the different components and optimize their contributions considering a life cycle (cradle to grave) approach to develop an efficient GSHP system. Solutions vary by geographical region depending on the local weather, temperature, and energy demand. Three cities within northern Ontario, Timmins, Kapuskasing, and Greater Sudbury, will be chosen for the study because of the severe weather conditions prevailing in this region, which makes installation and operation of GSHPs difficult. The GeoSmart Energy Inc. team will directly participate in the research by reviewing the design optimization techniques and LCA models, helping in the life cycle cost appraisals, providing data on soil/rock characteristics of Timmins, Kapuskasing, and Greater Sudbury, and investigating the building loads breakdown. GSHPs have great potential to reduce carbon emissions and meet the energy demands of different dwelling types in Ontario and Canada. They also occupy less space compared to the conventional building HVAC systems. The proposed research will help increase the energy efficiency and decrease the cost and environmental impacts of GSHP systems, creating a low cost option that is attractive to all stakeholders i.e. the government, consumers, and businesses.