JS Rancourt
Username
JS Rancourt
Proposer First Name
JS
Proposer Email
js.rancourt@dxseng.com
Proposer Last Name
Rancourt
Proposer Company/Organization
DXS New England
Proposer Job Title
Principal
Boston 2023 Areas of Focus
Proposed Session Description
The world of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) continues to evolve, and major upcoming changes in refrigerant regulations and standards will shift the landscape in the coming years. This presentation will explain and compare different types of ASHPs, including ASHPs using lower GWP refrigerants, as well as ASHPs that distribute heat through buildings via refrigerant, versus those who do so via a hydronic distribution network.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
One aspect of the discussion that pertains to equity, is the section on overall cost of the different ASHP types, and the impacts of the refrigerant phase-outs on ASHP costs. The concept that the "perfect" system in terms of overall emissions may not always be the right answer, as it may be cost prohibitive, and could pose challenges to the overall goal of applying ASHPs to the mass market, which means to as many buildings as possible, of all types and all budgets, and in an equitable manner.
Learning Objectives
Interpret and differentiate both the State and Federal level refrigerant phase outs regulations, and which HVAC equipment type they impact.
Distinguish and compare air source heat pumps with hydronic versus refrigerant-based distribution systems, including their applicability in different building types, and their resulting expected lifetime emissions. This includes properly illustrating the impacts of the State and Federal level refrigerant phase outs to both types.
Interpret and apply the latest ASHRAE / IMC / BBRS codes and standards as it pertains to the new and incoming lower GWP refrigerants, including the different application rules for air source heat pumps with hyrdonic versus refrigerant-based distribution.
Participants should have the ability to explain, compare and recommend the right air source heat pump for a building (hydronic versus refrigerant-based distribution), with proper discussion and quantification of the impacts of the refrigerants being used, pre and post phase-out.
Has this session been presented before?
Yes
When and Where?
This builds and uses some background content from Building Energy Boston presentations done on refrigerants in 2020, 2021 and 2023 (see my NESEA profile). However, this presentation has a heavier focus on the phase outs that will have begun as of March 2024, and those starting in 2025 and 2026. This presentation will also have a much heavier focus on comparing ASHPs that use refrigerant versus water as a distribution system, a fast growing topic in the low carbon HVAC industry.
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.
Session Format
Presentation followed by facilitated discussion or breakout groups
Session Format Details
Similar to my typical animated presentations! Will most likely have a "prop" with me of an ASHP with one of the new and incoming lower GWP refrigerants.
I would be happy to invite another speaker for some perspective.
Recommended Length
60-minute session
90-minute session
Strongest Content Connection - Boston 2023
Reviewer 1
Roth, Kurt
Reviewer 2
Liu, Sissi
Proposal #
153
Committee Decision
Being Considered
Presenters
Full Description
Refrigerant phase outs are now at our doorstep, and they are changing the landscape of ASHPs, one of the main technologies necessary for building decarbonization.
In the Fall of 2023, the EPA released important rulings around the phase down of HFCs under the AIM act, putting a Federal ‘line in the sand’ for the phase-out of R-410a (and other HFCs) in heat pumps over the next 2 years. Meanwhile, the State of Massachusetts also has a refrigerant phase out starting in January 2024. This is creating confusion in the marketplace around the applicability and overall performance of different types of ASHPs.
These refrigerant rulings, along with the latest HVAC standards around the use of new lower GWP refrigerants, are resulting in important changes in ASHP types, applications, performance and their resulting emissions. It is important for us to educate the green building community on the impacts of these changes, and on how to properly evaluate the right HVAC decisions for the best overall lifecyle building performance.