A commercially available energy-analysis computer program has been used to analyse, through simulation, combinations of building shape, core size, and geographical location that allow the evaluation of the heat recovery and energy-savings potential of a water-loop heat pump (WLHP) system. A building simulation model was developed that used typical internal building loads, operating schedules, building construction materials, glass windows, and ventilation loads. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of simulating building zoning, specifications of building perimeter depth, and the ratio for the core-to-perimeter internal electrical load on the WLHP system's energy requirements. Likewise, the sensitivity of the WLHP system's energy requirements to building size, location, internal electrical loads, building U-factors, and quantity of glass was evaluated.

KEYWORDS: heat recovery, buildings, water heat pumps, heat pumps, sensitivity, calculating, materials, computer programs, energy conservation, windows, zones, specifications, electricity consumption