Comparative assessment of residential energy options in Ontario, Canada

In this paper, the electricity, heating and cooling demands of a Southern Ontario residence are assessed and compared. Five specific systems are analyzed: ground and air source heat pumps, stand-alone PV, PV/fuel cell hybrid and a wind turbine/fuel cell hybrid system. Actual monitored data from a residence using a ground source heat pump is taken as a reference and compared with the others. Average weather conditions, electricity prices and average electricity loads in Toronto, Ontario, are used as reference data. Thermodynamic, economic and environmental comparisons are performed. It is found that heat pump systems offer significant advantages over the other systems.

► Electricity, heating and cooling loads of a Southern Ontario residence are assessed.
► Ground and air source heat pumps, PV, PV/fuel cell, wind turbine/fuel cell systems compared.
► Average weather conditions, electricity prices and loads in Toronto are used.
► Thermodynamic, economic and environmental comparisons are performed.
► Heat pumps systems offer significant advantages over the other systems.