Responsible Approach To Decarbonization in An Existing Building
P2S Article
Responsible Approach To Decarbonization in An Existing Building
ARTICLE BY JAMES DEL MONACO PE , LEED , AP BD + C , CxA
Associate Principal
Space heating needs have historically been met by using fossil fuels and combustion-based equipment to generate hydronic hot water . The primary generation equipment is generally inexpensive ( boilers are ~$ 12 –$ 30 per MBH ), has high turndown ( a number of manufacturers offer 20:1 ), and use an available , reliable resource for fuel . Building operators are familiar with operating and maintaining this equipment .
As we transition to electrifying the space heating system , heat pumps offer a viable option . Heat pumps have been commonplace in the industry for more traditional airside HVAC applications . More recently , heat pump technology is being used for hydronic heating applications and domestic hot water heating . Heat pumps have their own challenges , such as higher first costs , lower operating efficiency at higher supply temperatures and low ambient operating limitations . The case study in this column involves a university campus considering transitioning from a cogeneration plant with steam-to-hot water converters at each building to local
8 P2S EXTERNAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023