Study on Technical Support for the Establishment of the Foundation for Wide Use of Heat Pumps

In order to address recent global warming issues, it is formulated as a national policy to promote heat pump equipment, which effectively conserves energy and reduces the amount of CO2. However, in the cold region of Hokkaido, air source heat pump equipment, which is easy to introduce to ordinary households, such as EcoCute (natural refrigerant heat pump water heater) is much less widespread than in Honshu (warm regions). One of the reasons why the equipment has not come into wide use is because of some challenges of the installation techniques (countermeasures against snow, wind and coldness) which are unique to cold regions. Therefore, we have conducted research activities for specifying the problems we face on site and suggesting early solutions.

• Study on the standardization of the installation method for cold regions
  In order to improve the quality of the installation method for cold regions, reduce its cost, and facilitate the new entry of its builders, we have investigated the installation sites, identified problems on the installation, and considered the solutions.
• Study on snow hoods for outdoor equipment
  In order to prevent cold-region problems (snow, wind, and coldness) for the outdoor equipment but not to decrease the performance of the hot-water supply and heating, we have studied about the proper shape of the hoods for the outdoor equipment.
• Compilation of various databases
  With collected information on the latest heat pump equipment, the performance test data by the Department of Research and Development, and the actual operation data measured at ordinary houses, we have compiled a database in an easier form and sent the information to our customers through our operating and proposing activities. As a result, we have relieved concern about heat pump equipment for cold regions and promoted understanding.