Author:

Keywords:

CO2,, Emission, PV system, Heat pump

Abstract:

This paper quantifies the CO2 emission savings from photovoltaics and heat pumps in residential dwellings and office spaces in Belgium. The focus lies on the operational part of the lifecycle, using the CO2 intensity of the conventional generation mix and a condensing gas boiler as a reference. Emission savings are calculated under normal operating conditions and under smart control of a flexible heat pump, which includes three strategies: minimal emissions, minimal electricity purchasing cost, and minimal grid interaction. The results illustrate that CO2 savings by photovoltaics depend heavily on the technologies that are substituted. By default, heat pumps are found to create high emission savings, reaching up to 79% in residential houses. In addition, the results suggest strong potential for smart control of heat pumps towards minimal electricity costs and grid interaction, but less potential for control towards additional emission reductions.