The Residential Heat Pump Study Final Report provides the findings of a three-year study on the demonstration of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) at a masterplanned residential establishment (Fairwater). The report provides a case for wider industry adoption of GSHP as a way to improve renewable energy infrastructure.
Report extract
The Residential Heat Pump Study was a three-year study on the commercial-scale demonstration of renewable (thermal energy) ground source heat pumps (GSHPs, or geothermal air-conditioning) deployed in the ‘Fairwater’ masterplanned residential community, located in western Sydney.
The Project provides evidence for industry-wide adoption of GSHPs as part of local, renewable and efficient energy infrastructure.
The project demonstrated key achievements against five project outcomes. The study:
- Demonstrated the impact on peak demand and total consumption for grid energy.
- Quantified the actual energy performance of the GSHP system and impact on cost of living for residents (compared to business as usual).
- Calculated the economic costs and benefits to the developer, residents and the distribution network service providers.
- Produced the technical and commercial evidence base required to reduce the level of electricity network augmentation in future similar projects and established the commercial merits of industrywide adoption of GSHP technologies and systems approaches in residential greenfield developments.
- Demonstrated the impact on urban heat island outcomes (compared against a similar nearby site).
