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In recent years, combined heat and power (CHP) systems have gained more attention from the U.S. government. Both the federal government and the state government have proposed many incentive policies to promote CHP systems. This paper focuses on analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of existing incentive policies for CHP systems in various U.S. states. In this paper, the existing incentive policies for CHP systems in different states are classified in four categories: capital cost rebate, tax credits, low tax loan, and utility credits. Four types of buildings including hospitals, large offices, large hotels, and primary schools, located in different U.S. regions, are selected and analyzed for the CHP incentives. Using the EnergyPlus simulation software, the energy consumption of each building is obtained. Then the simulation models of a CHP system are established for each building type. From the simulation results, the payback period of the CHP systems in different locations is calculated according to local incentive policies. This payback period is then compared with the one without regard for incentive policies. The results show that most of the incentive policies could obviously shorten the payback period in various U.S. regions, however some of them seem meaningless because some incentives were not effective enough to give a favorable payback period. This paper reveals that the type and level of incentives to promote CHP systems need to be carefully determined because the effectiveness and usefulness of incentive policies are highly dependent on the CHP performance due to the capacity of the power generation unit, the operational strategy of CHP system, the climate location, and the ratio of electricity cost to fuel cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeowners across the globe are continually seeking methods of improving energy efficiency for financial benefit and personal satisfaction. From small contributions such as swapping light bulbs to large capital investment initiatives like upgraded heating and cooling systems, homeowner decisions require accurate data and confidence in potential outcomes. This study models the path to net-zero energy for two separate heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) plus solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in residential buildings across 12 Unites States climate zones, and determines the optimal combination for each climate zone. An existing, traditional air-conditioning system with natural gas furnace is paired with a PV array. The net-zero results are compared to the same residence upgraded to a climate-customized geothermal heat pump HVAC system paired with a PV array. Results confidently favor the geothermal HVAC system + PV for climates with a significant heating demand in winter, and the baseline + PV system for cooling-dominant climates, exceeding $3,900 and $3,500 annual household savings, respectively. A major contribution is the introduction of a template that predicts the net-zero system option for climate zones outside the 12 studied. Patterns in local soil properties, sun intensity and financial incentives allow for net-zero system predictions nationwide. For example, all locations resulting in a baseline + PV net-zero system have strong sun intensity ratings. This research delivers climate-specific recommendations for the preferred net-zero HVAC + PV system through analysis of accurate energy performance and financial forecasting. Recommendations provide homeowners with valuable expectations on two HVAC + PV options along the path to a net-zero energy home. • Baseline electrical cooling/gas heating compared to geothermal heat pump system. • Climate-specific net-zero energy residential building recommendations. • Massive savings potential and short payback period in cold climates. • Net-zero energy system prediction method introduced through critical factors. • Consumer decision driver analysis for energy-efficiency projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal residential heating and cooling systems have undeniable potential savings. The possibilities of the energy savings with a geothermal heat pump system is well-established in the commercial and residential sectors. Building location has a critical impact on the performance of geothermal heat pump systems and magnitude of savings. An important contribution of this paper takes the step past technological optimization to investigate 12 climate zones across the contiguous United States. Residential homes within common neighborhoods are thoroughly analyzed by considering soil characteristics and home construction features. Within these climate zones, federal and all local incentive programs are quantified to determine an accurate expectation for capital investment payback period, a critical factor for system attractability. Ultimately, a climate zone is classified as either a promising or poor candidate for residential geothermal technology based on data from previously conducted human interest polls regarding payback period on energy savings investments. With such lasting potential delivered to the hands of consumers, geothermal energy use still experiences slow implementation. This paper conducts a study integrating data on technology, finances, and human nature to identify the prevailing barrier to widespread geothermal execution. Solid evidence on energy and monetary savings reveals the dominant barriers are initial capital investment and long payback period. This paper highlights the immense positive impact that local incentives have on affecting these two prevailing deterrents. • United States nationwide investigation of current state of residential geothermal technology deployment. • Climate-specific geothermal heat pump energy and financial analysis. • Barriers to widespread residential geothermal technology implementation. • Template for neighborhood customizable geothermal energy potential and policy status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]