Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2067/3077
Title: Smart integration of photovoltaic production, heat pumps and thermal energy storage in residential applications
Authors: Facci, Andrea Luigi
Krastev, Vesselin
Falcucci, Giacomo
Ubertini, Stefano 
Keywords: Energy;Photovoltaic;Thermal energy storage
Issue Date: 17-Jun-2018
Publisher: Elsevier
Abstract: 
The optimal design of distributed generation systems is of foremost importance to reduce fossil fuel consumption and mitigate the
environmental impact of human activities in urban areas. Moreover, an efficient and integrated control strategy is needed for each
of the components of a distributed generation plant, in order to reach the expected economic and environmental performances.
In this paper, the transition from natural gas to electricity-based heating is evaluated for residential applications, considering
the interplay between photovoltaic electricity produced on site and the thermal energy storage, to grant the optimal management
of heating devices. The energy demand of an apartment building, under different climatic conditions, is taken as a reference and
four power plant solutions are assessed in terms of energy cost and pollution reduction potential, compared to a baseline plant
configuration. The performance of each power plant is analyzed assuming an optimized control strategy, which is determined
through a graph-based methodology that was previously developed and validated by the authors. Outcomes from our study show
that, if heat pumps are used instead of natural gas boilers, energy costs can be reduced up to 41%, while CO2 emissions can be
reduced up to 73%, depending on the climatic conditions.
Our results provide a sound basis for considering the larger penetration of photovoltaic plants as an effective solution towards
cleaner and more efficient heating technologies for civil applications. The simultaneous utilization of heat pumps (as substitutes of
boilers) and photovoltaic panels yields a positive synergy that nullifies the local pollution, drastically cuts the CO2 emission, and
guarantees the economical sustainability of the investment in renewable energy sources without subsidiary mechanisms.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2067/3077
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.06.017
Appears in Collections:DEIM - Archivio della produzione scientifica

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