HEAT-PUMPING TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA—PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
In Canada during the past two decades a very significant level of resources has been directed towards targeted R&D activities in the area of heat pumping technologies. These activities have been conducted under separate but complementary programs operated mostly by laboratories and research centers located in government departments, universities, and power utilities, supplemented by studies and software development produced by independent research consultants. Relevant output and material generated by the various organizations have been well documented in numerous publications, including refereed papers in technical journals, conference proceedings, and reports to collaborating partners/clients. The measure of Canada’s commitment to sharing of R&D information on this technology is also reflected by its consistent participation in international joint research projects (Annexes) operated by the International Energy Agency (IEA) Heat Pump Programme. Specifically over the past 20 years Canada has been involved in at least 15 Annexes covering a broad range of technical input, and has taken the lead role in three of those projects. The results obtained and information gathered from these activities have provided a comprehensive source of knowledge and a wealth of experience to draw upon. Based on this solid foundation the ongoing R&D related effort is focused on areas of technology that are relevant to Canada, especially applications in refrigeration and ground source heat pump installations.