| dc.description.abstract | There has been much research and analysis done on the performance and potential energy
savings related to installing a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. Much of this
research has been dedicated to the new construction industry, and focused on a case by
case basis. Many of these case studies are different in scope and magnitude and thus
comparison between the studies is often difficult. This research shall determine the payback
of converting an existing building with a water source heat pump system (WSHP) to a
ground source heat pump system (GSHP) system in four different regions of the United
States using eQuest modeling software. The model building shall remain constant as it is
simulated in the following test locations:
1. Dallas, Texas
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
4. Richmond, Virginia.
This research shall separate the constant variables from the differentiating variables and
determine what has the most influential affect on the simple payback.
eQuest modeling software is a highly regarded modeling tool in the building energy analysis
industry. Engineering firms and energy consultants often rely on this software to determine
building heating and cooling loads as well as predicting energy savings. This research shall also analyze the capabilities and limitations of eQuest modeling software for simulating
ground source heat pump systems. | |
