{"id":8692,"date":"2023-10-15T10:00:47","date_gmt":"2023-10-15T15:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/informatech.energir.com\/?p=8692"},"modified":"2023-10-17T12:04:40","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T17:04:40","slug":"hybrid-rooftop-units-an-effective-and-efficient-decarbonization-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/informatech.energir.com\/?p=8692&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Hybrid rooftop units: An effective and efficient decarbonization solution"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Climate change has led us to reflect collectively on actions to reduce our GHG emissions. In order to achieve this, Énergir believes in the complementary use of electricity and natural gas to better heat buildings. Combining them enables the right energy to be consumed at the right time and at the best cost<\/em>. As you’ll see in this article, hybrid rooftop units are one of the solutions that build on this complementarity.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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What is a hybrid rooftop unit?<\/h3>\n

A hybrid rooftop unit is a space heating and cooling system that uses two energy sources to meet heating needs. Electricity powers a heat pump that provides space heating and cooling, while a natural gas burner takes over from the heat pump in very cold weather. In some cases, it may also increase heating capacity when the heat pump can’t keep up with demand.<\/p>\n

A hybrid rooftop unit can easily replace a natural gas rooftop unit. Typically, a curb adapter is required to properly connect the rooftop unit to the existing mechanical system. In addition, like all other rooftop units, hybrid units can be either constant volume or variable volume.<\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/h4>\n

The unit’s internal controls ensure that temperature control is performed by the heat pump, so that the natural gas burner doesn’t start until the outdoor temperature reaches a certain value. Although a heat pump requires less electrical capacity than an electric coil, the presence of the gas burner makes it possible to better manage consumption peaks and ensures that power demand is reduced.<\/p>\n

Personalized control<\/h4>\n

If the switchover temperature is predefined at the factory, the unit’s controller allows this setpoint to be adjusted during installation. In regions where the electricity distributor offers rates based on outdoor temperatures, the user can make the change directly on the unit; however, some manufacturers recommend not changing these parameters.<\/p>\n

Optimal integration, maximum savings<\/h4>\n

Settings can also be configured by connecting the unit to the Building Automation System (BAS), if one is present. Various schedules and settings can then be programmed to control the device. This allows you to take advantage of dynamic pricing and optimize the operation of the rooftop unit to reduce operating costs or meet previously identified GHG reduction targets.<\/p>\n

A new, custom rate for dual energy systems<\/span><\/span>Offer coming soon for Énergir’s client<\/strong><\/span>Dual-energy electricity and natural gas for the commercial, institutional and multi-unit property sector is set to launch in the fall.
\nThis offer will include generous grants to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing new dual-energy furnaces. You’ll also see recurring savings on your energy bills, thanks to Hydro-Québec’s new small- and medium-power dual-energy rate.
\nImportant!<\/strong>
\nTo benefit from these grants, you must wait for their launch before installing your equipment or registering for Hydro-Québec’s new small- and medium-power dual-energy rate.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n

In Québec, Hydro-Québec has been authorized by Régie de l’énergie to apply a new small- and medium-power dual-energy rate for space heating for its commercial and institutional customers<\/a>. Hybrid rooftop units are one of the solutions eligible for this rate. Hydro-Québec’s dual-energy rate is based on a switchover temperature of -12°C (-15°C for some regions). The transfer to the backup source is carried out via a signal sent by a temperature sensor built into the meter if it’s outside, or installed outdoors if the meter is not outside. This probe dictates the timing of the transition from one energy source to another and not the internal controls of the hybrid rooftop unit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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A collaborative pilot project<\/h3>\n

Currently, neither hybrid rooftop units (heat pump\/natural gas burner) nor electric auxiliary heat pump rooftop units are very common in Québec. That’s why Énergir wanted to fully understand how this type of device operates and its potential to reduce GHGs through a pilot project carried out in collaboration with Hydro-Québec. The project, which included several sites, aimed to validate the device’s energy performance and operation.<\/p>\n

A variety of representative sites<\/h4>\n

For the 2022–2023 heating season, three sites were selected for a first validation phase.<\/p>\n