Heat pumps are ‘cheapest, healthiest’ way to meet Minnesota’s climate goals, local coalition says

Sahanjournal ^ | 06/10/2024 | Andrew Hazzard

[ChicagoConservative27]

If Minnesota wants to reach its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the state must rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, a sector where pollution is still on the rise.

A path to phasing out building emissions exists, according to a new report commissioned by Clean Heat Minnesota, a diverse group of energy experts, cities, community service organizations, and consumer advocates.

The report, called the Minnesota Building Decarbonization Analysis, shows that billions of dollars in investments and dedicated planning will be needed to help the state hit its climate targets. But doing so is possible, and best accomplished through mass electrification, the report found.

[hecticskeptic]

The issue I have with heat pumps is it always feels like your AC is on...
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I think that’s a good point. So much of the ‘efficiency gains’ have to do with the fact that much of this type of equipment now has variable speed fans and other components that run at a lower speed instead of on and off (where when it is on, it is running faster and when it is off it is obviously running slower). I suspect the difference (and somebody who actually knows can jump in) is that it no longer has as big a drop in temperature for the periods of time when it is actually running... and that will make a difference in what level of humidification is actually possible.

Making note to myself to check that out further sometime in the future when I get a chance....

[hecticskeptic]

Here’s another thought for you on ‘feeling like the aerodynamics are minutely different’.

Much of the study of aerodynamics has to do with what are referred to as ‘boundary layers’. I won’t get into that... you can do a search to figure out what that’s all about but you probably all ready can figure out what I’m talking abot. Anyway, the difference may have less to do with the change in temperature between 45 and 80 degrees than whether the sun is shining or not. Let me explain... When the sun is shining, the black pavement absorbs more heat and a boundary layer of hot air develops close to the pavement. This essentially creates a layer of air that is more buoyant and that may relate also to what you are feeling.

Not related to the aerodynamics is the fact that at higher temperature, the rubber on your tyres is softer and that of course makes the bike feel different as far as handling.

[ChildOfThe60s]

Thanks for all the info!

Not related to the aerodynamics is the fact that at higher temperature, the rubber on your tyres is softer and that of course makes the bike feel different as far as handling.

Tire temperature does indeed have an effect you can feel in handling. But interestingly enough it is not riding down the road that warms up the tires, it is braking and acceleration.

Thank you for confirming my belief that air density does affect the feel of the wind. Yeah, there is a whole basket of variables in the aerodynamics of riding a bike. Getting a windshield or windscreen (I use the latter) that works is so tough for every rider. I've got an essentially new windshield that I couldn't use regardless of how I adjusted it. Past 60 mph it destabilized the front end. I got a much smaller British made windscreen that for me is so much more effective in directing the airflow around my torso without that feeling of uh oh.

[hecticskeptic]

I know what you mean... had to settle on a relatively small windshield for my mbike.

[Antioch]

There are no pipes. It’s an air source heat pump-it will extract heat out of winter air

[EVO X]

Thanks for the info. I forgot about those. An electrical heat strip is applied to the inside coil for the air heat pump to operate in cold climates..

[IAGeezer912]

(”Everyone needs a heat pump”) shows how abjectly stupid some of these people are. Probably majored in transgender studies. 🙄

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Or maybe 17th Century French Literature. Both are stepping stones to a STEM career.

Did you know that Ben Franklin discovered electricity with his kite and he used electricity from his kite to power his heat pump? This is how MN will achieve their energy goals.