Combined HVAC and DHW all-electric system prototype
Green Violin, HRAI
Edmonton
Peel Passive House Consulting
Green Violin

This project demonstrates an all-electric combined HVAC and domestic hot water system using a single heat pump for both new and existing multi-unit residential buildings, which provides low operational and embodied carbon at a lower cost than competing all-electric solutions.

The project comprises two innovative elements:

  1. A single heat pump integrated with a ventilation system to provide the entire building’s heating, cooling, DHW, and ventilation needs.
  2. Cold air distribution (CAD), which uses very low temperatures to increase the cooling capacity of the air delivered to indoor spaces, reducing duct size and fan and pump energy.

Project objectives include:

  1. Confirm the cost savings compared to the typical alternative all-electric solution.
  2. Confirm predicted energy and carbon performance is achieved.
  3. Gather, analyze, and report on monitoring data to ensure occupant acceptance; optimize operation of pilot system; and inform optimized design and operation of future installations.
  4. Develop and disseminate exportable knowledge and products to support solution scale-up.

 

Uptake of Passive House and Net Zero Ready multifamily buildings across Canada remains low, due in large part to additional capital costs.  A major contributor to the increase is the higher mechanical costs for full electrification.  Our solution intends to address this barrier by bringing to market a combined all-electric system that provides all of a building’s heating, cooling, and DHW at lower capital cost and operating costs. 

– Andrew Peel (Peel Passive House Consulting)