View Single Post
Old 12-30-2010, 08:16 PM   #5 (permalink)
cfg83
Pokémoderator
 
cfg83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 5,864

1999 Saturn SW2 - '99 Saturn SW2 Wagon
Team Saturn
90 day: 40.49 mpg (US)
Thanks: 439
Thanked 532 Times in 358 Posts
cujet -

Quote:
Originally Posted by cujet View Post
Yes, a heat pump can use considerably less electrical power when compared to resistance heating. The performance ratio is called COP or co-efficient of performance. Generally, in moderate temps, heat pumps have a 3.0 to 4.0 COP (3 to 4 times less power use compared to resistance heating). However, using waste heat from the ICE when it's running, is always the most efficient use.

If you remember, the air cooled Volkswagens used exhaust to heat the cabin, just like today's small aircraft.

A combo setup could be very efficient. In fact, I see no reason why the electrically driven AC on a Prius could not be simply reversed and used as a heat pump.
I remember those. If you had a leak in your exhaust pipes the exhaust would enter the cabin. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a neat solution. At least you *knew* there was a leak and that you needed to fix it.

CarloSW2
__________________

What's your EPA MPG? Go Here and find out!
American Solar Energy Society
  Reply With Quote