Heating Systems

As part of the ME 332 course at Iowa State University, this project aimed to compare the performance of a gas-fired furnace with that of an air-source heat pump. The project encompassed a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects, including the Carnot heat pump cycle, the actual vapor compression cycle, the heat pump's electricity source from a power plant, as well as fuel consumption and emissions analysis for both systems.

To accomplish this, extensive research and analysis were conducted to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental impact of each system. The project involved studying the theoretical Carnot cycle for heat pump operation, examining the practical vapor compression cycle used in actual heat pumps, and investigating the electricity sources associated with power plant operation.

Furthermore, fuel consumption and emissions data were collected and analyzed to gauge the environmental implications of both the gas-fired furnace and the air-source heat pump.

The project culminated in a comprehensive summary that highlighted the key findings and provided insights into the relative performance and environmental characteristics of the two systems.

This project showcased the practical application of thermodynamics principles and provided an opportunity to explore the advantages and limitations of gas-fired furnaces and air-source heat pumps. It emphasized the importance of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and sustainability considerations when comparing different heating systems.