Efficient Heating for High Altitude Housing in Peru

A research station is being built in Sumbay, Peru, located at an elevation of 13,543 feet above sea level. Because of the constant cold temperatures throughout the year and the remote off-grid location of the station, a efficient heating system is required for the on-site Airbnb residence. This project explores the viability of an air-source heat pump (ASHP) under high-altitude conditions with much lower air density. An Engineering Equation Solver (EES) model, an "altitude factor," and 8760-hour weather analysis were utilized to estimate the heating requirements. Preliminary results indicate as much as 40% derating in capacity at the high altitude, raising the system output requirement from 23,000 BTU/hr to 37,000 BTU/hr