Impact of Geothermal Heat Pump on the Economy and Ecology of the Bahria University Islamabad, Pakistan (T-1284) (MFN 4988)

Abstract

Pakistan is facing chronic energy shortage for the last two decades. Enormous amount of electricity, natural gas and oil is being utilized for cooling and heating of buildings. Fossil fuels mostly imported, put huge burden on developmental budget of the country. Moreover, the fossil fuels used in the conventional heating and cooling systems result in greenhouse effect, causing global warming. This research concentrates on comparative study of the existing heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system being operated on natural gas and diesel oil, at the Islamabad Campus of the Bahria University with the latest air conditioning technology i.e. geothermal heat pump. This research reveals that GHPs are more energy efficient with low operating and maintenance cost then the present installed air conditioning system. Although, the initial capital cost of geothermal heat pump is relatively higher but return on investment (ROI) period is smaller than that of Conventional HVAC systems. Along with energy saving the GHPs can also contribute to almost negligible amount of CO2 emission, therefore playing important role in global warming reduction. This research proposes an alternative heating and cooling system for Islamabad Campus of the Bahria University.