Feasibility study of residential cold climate air-source heat pumps as a sustainable solution in Calgary, Alberta

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2022-08
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Building electrification is being utilized to decarbonize the residential sector across the world. Canada has committed to becoming net-zero energy by 2050, with Alberta playing an essential part. According to the Alberta Government, the province plans to modify its electricity supply system to reduce carbon intensity significantly. Thus, this project aims to identify how these changes can create an opportunity for electrification in Alberta. Specifically, this research seeks to determine when and under what conditions installing ccASHPs on a townhouse in Calgary would make sense regarding energy consumption, GHG emissions, and costs. Compared with NGF with air-conditioning, ccASHPs consume less than 50% energy for heating, cooling, and DHW, showing improved environmental performance since 2023 or 2024, depending on the future grid scenario, but the economics are still a challenge. Current commitments and further federal and provincial incentives to electrification, energy efficiency, and cleaning the Alberta grid could change the economic prospect of ccASHPs in the future.

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Dietz Muñoz, A. (2022). Feasibility study of residential cold climate air-source heat pumps as a sustainable solution in Calgary, Alberta (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.