Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Construction Management

First Advisor's Name

Yimin Zhu

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Mehmet Emre Bayraktar

Third Advisor's Name

Irtishad U. Ahmad

Date of Defense

11-10-2010

Abstract

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are gaining recognition as a cost effective and green heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) alternative in the United States. Still, this technology is not highly utilized due to factors such as high initial investment, lack of confidence and uncertainties in cost items.

This study focuses on the reflection of the variations in cost items on the feasibility and life-cycle cost of a typical GSHP system. For this purpose, life-cycle costs were calculated for a typical GSHP system and cost data was gathered for several projects. Possible variations on cost variables are defined. Then, the effect of these variations on life cycle cost is analyzed on a comparative basis with a conventional system. It was concluded that the GSHP systems may not be economically favorable over a conventional HVAC systems without current incentives in hot and humid climate regions.

Identifier

FI14052556

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