ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2025

Project Advisor

Charles Sullivan

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are increasingly being adopted as energy-efficient alternatives to traditional oil and gas furnaces for heating and cooling homes. However, in colder climates, these systems often face significant challenges due to frequent icing on the outdoor condenser fins during winter months. This icing condition drastically hinders performance by reducing efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and increased operational costs. In the most common conventional defrosting method, the reversing valve sends refrigerant from the indoor space to the outdoor unit to melt the ice, effectively cooling the room. This defrosting process is both energy intensive and intermittently disruptive to heating functionality. To address this fundamental issue, the integration of the patented pulse electrothermal de-icing (PETD) technology into ASHP systems is explored. In this potential novel application, PETD technology efficiently removes ice and frost buildup through a series of high power pulses sent directly to the condenser fin system. This project analyzes the feasibility of advanced PETD and ASHP integration, with the potential for improved efficiency and lengthened operational lifespan for the ASHP unit, by reducing the mechanical stress caused by ice buildup. This advanced deicing solution demonstrates the potential for novel improvements to the reliability and performance of ASHPs, making them a more viable option for residential heating in regions with harsh winter conditions. The results ultimately highlight the need for further research into the potential of PETD and ASHP integration in overcoming environmental challenges and advancing efficient HV AC systems in our uncertain energy future.

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