Date Approved
6-9-2025
Embargo Period
6-9-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. Engineering
Department
Civil engineering
College
Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
Advisor
William T. Riddell, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Jess W. Everett, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Francis M. Haas, Ph.D.
Committee Member 3
Adriana Trias, Ph.D.
Committee Member 4
Chris Moore
Keywords
Air Source Heat Pumps;Energy efficiency;Ground Source Heat Pumps;HVAC systems;Lifecycle assessment;Lifecycle cost analysis
Disciplines
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Civil Engineering | Engineering
Abstract
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major contributor to energy demand. Heat pump technologies, particularly Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), have emerged as key solutions to reduce energy use worldwide. However, their adoption is challenged by economic, operational, and environmental trade-offs. This dissertation develops a comprehensive framework for evaluating the energy efficiency, lifecycle emissions, and cost-effectiveness of GSHP and ASHP systems in sustainable building operations. Through advanced energy modeling, lifecycle assessments (LCA), and lifecycle cost (LCC) analyses, this research provides data-driven insights to optimize heat pump system selection. This study is structured around five interrelated research papers, each addressing a critical aspect of heat pump performance and implementation. The first paper validates energy simulation models by assessing the accuracy of peak demand estimates for office buildings using eQUEST, ensuring the reliability of subsequent analyses. The second paper evaluates the energy and emissions savings potential of GSHP and ASHP systems when integrated with photovoltaic (PV) panels, highlighting GSHPs’ long-term sustainability advantages despite higher installation costs. The third paper conducts a comprehensive LCA of heat pump technologies, quantifying embodied carbon emissions and their impact on long-term sustainability. The fourth paper presents an economic and operational analysis of GSHP and ASHP systems across various building scenarios, identifying cost trade-offs, payback periods, and financial feasibility. The fifth paper expands on these findings by developing a generalized decision-making framework that considers heating system selection based on cost, emissions, and energy efficiency. The findings indicate that GSHPs consistently outperform ASHPs in terms of energy efficiency and emissions reduction, particularly in heating-dominant climates. However, high capital costs remain a significant barrier to widespread GSHP adoption. ASHPs, while more cost-effective and easier to retrofit, exhibit performance degradation in extreme temperatures and contribute to higher peak electricity demand. Integrating PV with heat pumps enhances sustainability by reducing grid dependence, though seasonal energy mismatches present a challenge. Economic analyses highlight that ASHPs are more viable for medium-scale applications, but scaling advantages might favor GSHPs for large buildings or clusters of buildings. This dissertation culminates in the development of a generalized decision-making framework for selecting optimal heating systems based on cost, energy performance, and environmental impact. By integrating real-world operational conditions, system scalability, and embodied carbon considerations, the framework serves as a practical tool for engineers, policymakers, and building owners. These findings contribute to the broader goal of sustainable building operations, providing actionable insights for selecting HVAC systems that will improve operations and reduce the impact of the built environment.
Recommended Citation
Zafaranchi, Mahdiyeh, "HEAT PUMPS AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING OPERATIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY, EMISSIONS, AND LIFE CYCLE COSTS" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3377.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3377
