Lessons learned from our Gas Absorption Heat Pump webinar
Last month, we hosted a webinar on Gas Absorption Heat Pump (GAHP) best practices. This progressive technology is gaining traction in a variety of commercial and residential applications and has become a frequent topic of conversation with our clients. FortisBC and the CLEAResult program team are actively driving the integration of GAHP into energy efficiency programs, and in this webinar, they discussed effective strategies for utilities interested in exploring GAHP in their own programs.
Here are the highlights from the conversation:
Gas absorption technology is gaining traction in North America.
The technology behind GAHPs has been around for over 50 years and started growing in popularity in Europe about a decade ago. There has been a slower adoption in North America, and FortisBC has emerged as the first North American utility to incorporate this measure into its energy efficiency programs. Like other heat pumps, GAHPs can provide both heating and cooling. The main differences are the absence of a compressor and the use of an ammonia-water mix. For a full explanation of how GAHPs work, check out the clip below.
Ease of operation and high performance are two primary benefits of GAHPs.
Like other heat pumps, GAHPs are extremely efficient and exhibit much higher performance than conventional gas equipment, such as boilers. Additionally, the ammonia-water mix they use has no global warming potential (GWP) or ozone depletion impact. Some GAHPs can also use alternative fuels, like hydrogen, instead of natural gas, making them a more carbon-friendly option compared to other gas heating or cooling solutions. The FortisBC team has received feedback from the market indicating that GAHPs are easier to operate and maintain, which is of course a significant benefit for commercial or industrial customers.
GAHPs are now a key part of how FortisBC is helping customers.
As many states and territories push for electrification, questions are arising around how gas measures fit into the equation. For FortisBC, GAHPs are just one part of their mission to help customers move toward decarbonization. Electric grid constraints may prevent certain customers from full electrification, but GAHPs are an excellent option to enable many customers to reduce the amount of natural gas they use – and lower their carbon footprint – as infrastructure for electrification continues to be built. GAHPs are a valuable tool for gas utilities to consider as we move toward a more energy-efficient future.
FortisBC and CLEAResult have partnered to create a GAHP best practices guide.
As the FortisBC team began piloting this technology, they recognized the need for additional education for end-use customers, contractors and other stakeholders. This led to the creation of the Gas Absorption Heat Pump Best Practices Guide, which addresses many of the frequently asked questions from stakeholders. It serves as an excellent resource for prospective GAHP end-users and utilities interested in piloting this technology in their energy efficiency programs.
You can view the full Gas Absorption Heat Pumps Best Practices webinar on YouTube and learn more about FortisBC and its programs on the GAHP website.
