A Framework to Improve the Control System Design for Integrated Residential Heating Systems in Cold Regions

Abstract

Building space heating contributes to high consumption of energy using primarily non- renewable sources. This thesis presents a research study evaluating the design and performance of an integrated heating system utilizing the renewable energy sources of geothermal energy, solar energy, and drain water heat recovery. In general, the usage of geothermal heating in cold regions is challenged by the heat loss from the geothermal field. The proposed integrated system is expected to recover the heat loss from the geothermal field, extend the service life of the geothermal heating system, and provide significantly more energy with higher efficiency. The framework is validated through a residential building under occupancy, where a proposed monitoring system is installed to estimate the performance of the system. Based on the findings, adjustments in the design of the heating system, incorporating an enhanced system control algorithm to enhance system efficiency for energy savings and cost effectiveness, are recommended.