Experimental Investigation, Modelling,
and Seasonal Performance Estimation
of Exhaust Air Heat Pumps
for Residential Buildings

Abstract

This thesis focuses on exhaust air heat pumps (EAHPs), which recover heat from ventilation exhaust air to produce domestic hot water and space heating. The performance of such systems depends on system design, operating conditions, and frost formation on the evaporator.
The work combines field monitoring, laboratory experiments, and detailed component-based modelling. Based on these results, a heat pump model was developed, calibrated, and validated, and then used to analyse the influence of parameters such as compressor size and evaporator design.
Overall, the thesis provides new experimental data, modelling tools, and design guidelines that help better estimate the seasonal performance of these systems and facilitate their integration into residential buildings.

Jury members  

• Pr. Dr. Ir. Vincent Lemort, University of Liège, Belgium, Promotor 
• Pr. Dr. Ir. Pierre Dewallef, University of Liège, Belgium, President
• Pr. Dr. Ir. Philippe André, University of Liège, Belgium
• Pr. Dr. Ir. Paul Byrne, University of Rennes, France
• Pr. Dr. Ir. Cristian Cuevas Barraza, Université de Concepcion, Chile
• Dr. Ir. Yacine Brahami, Tecumseh Products Company LLC, France
• Pr. Dr. Ir. Ivan Verhaert, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Retransmission also available on  the PhD channel