Cold-climate heat pump sizing and design training

Matt Christie
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Matt Christie
Proposer First Name
Matt
Proposer Email
mchristie@trccompanies.com
Proposer Last Name
Christie
Proposer Phone
(503) 773-9031
Proposer Job Title
Associate Director
Proposer Additional Info
I am an experienced conference speaker and typically (in non COVID years) present at 3 or 4 conferences each year covering various energy efficiency topics.
Proposed Session Description
Cold climate air source heat pumps (ccASHPs) are a critical technology to fulfill residential electrification and decarbonization goals. High efficiency, quality, and cost-competitive heat pumps are a valid home-heating strategy in any climate - often with generous utility incentives to boost demand. But quality products are only useful if they are properly sized and designed to fit the needs of the home. Nuanced ccASHP sizing and design understanding is a rarity among HVAC contractors. Improperly sized equipment is less efficient and provides less comfort for the occupant. Proper sizing for ccASHPs is more complicated than it is for traditional fossil fuel systems, due to their ability to modulate performance across a range of operating conditions. Heat pumps also have a broad range of system design options between ducted, ductless, mini-split, multi-split, and partial load displacement scenarios. This session details an initiative to bring valued and consistent ccASHP sizing and design workforce training to HVAC contractors on behalf of utility programs. The trainings are created and delivered by heat pump manufacturers - through existing training channels - in fulfillment of a training design guide created by NYSERDA.
Why is this session important?
New York State's ambitious residential electrification goals are only possible with an dramatic uptick in cold-climate air source heat pump (ccASHP) installations. Incentives and add-campaigns can boost demand. But for supply to function, heat pump installation companies need to improve sizing and design knowledge. By bringing consistent trainings to the market while leveraging the trusted industry training channels that already exist - this workforce training initiative has the potential for significant market impact to support the dramatic market growth we need to fulfill decarbonization goals. This initiative represents a coordinated partnership between a state-agency, utilities, and manufacturers to resolve a critical market training need.

Comments

Jim Sullivan Tue, 04/06/2021 - 4:53 pm

ROUND 1 - NoLacks a distinct tie to the theme of this year's conference.

Michaela Boren… Wed, 04/07/2021 - 3:31 am

Round 1: Maybe to no.  Will need significant improvement and if not, then no.
• The issue of heat pump sizing and design is a usual. I like how the session brings in workforce training and different speakers. However, existing buildings don’t really want to convert to heat pumps yet even if they are aware of the electrification and decarbonization goals. Hence, instead of focusing on the product and to make it more towards the theme, suggesting to redirect towards how to encourage/pitch switching to heat pumps, how heat pump training includes working with building staff and tenants and NYSERDA to do a successful project; case study on not just how the sizing of the equipment impacted the project but how the theme and other topics of keen interest played a role etc.

Susan Farber Mon, 04/12/2021 - 5:12 pm

ROUND 1 DISCUSSION: recuse: Gwen McLaughlin / This is nothing new. But like how it gets connected to workforce. Redirect conversation: how to encourage conversation with owners who don't want to move towards heat pump. Too product-oriented? No collaboration in this proposal.

Learning Objectives
Recognize how cold-climate ASHP sizing and design considerations are critical for energy efficiency and home comfort.
Understand the nuances of cold-climate air source heat pump sizing and design considerations and complexities.
Appreciate and replicate a training development process that works through existing training channels, to more seamlessly meet the market where it already learns
Understand the multi-factor market-transformation challenges necessary to meet electrification and decarbonization goals.
Has this session been presented before?
No
Additional Comments
I have presented versions of this presentation to utilities, state-agencies, and internal staff. Just not one tailored to a public conference.

NYC 2021 Areas of Focus

Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.
Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists
Recommended Length
60-minute session
90-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2021

Comments about your speaker roster
I intend to have one speaker from the NYSERDA/ Utility perspective, but the specific person is still TBD. I also intend to have one contractor who's gone through the training, but that person is also TBD.
Reviewer 1
Boren, Michaela
Proposal #
128
Committee Decision
Rejected

Presenters