Improved measurements for better decision on heat recovery solutions with heat pumps

The aim of the study was to show the need for performance documentation, monitoring, and data integration during the lifetime of an energy system to achieve proper decision making. An improved measurement approach for heat pump performance was introduced. This approach was developed by integrating manufacturer and building energy management system data. Direct and indirect measurements were combined into fused measurements. This heat pump estimation approach was tested on a substation where integrated heat pumps supported a building energy supply system. Two approaches were assessed for exhaust air heat recovery: within the air handling unit and by using heat pumps. The results showed that improved measurements were cost-effective and highly reliable in the decision making. The exhaust air heat recovery heat pump was the favorable solution when district heating price was 60% above the electricity price and in the case when electricity was produced by renewable energy sources.