A commercially available energy-analysis computer program has been used to simulate and analyse combinations of building shape, core size, and geographical location that result in the evaluation of the heat recovery and energy-savings potential of the water-loop heat pump (WLHP) system. A building model was developed that used typical internal electrical building loads, operating schedules, building construction materials, glass windows, and ventilation loads. This model demonstrated that up to 76% (2.8 kWh/ft2) of the heat to be removed can be recovered for use elsewhere in the building. The annual heating and cooling energy savings were demonstrated to be up to 20% (2.9 kWh/ft2). No universally applicable correlations were found to be valid that could generalise the results to other situations.

KEYWORDS: heat recovery, buildings, heat pumps, water heat pumps, calculating, electricity consumption, computer programs, energy conservation, heating, cooling, buildings, materials, windows