Heat pumps as alternative energy sources: characteristics, state and prospects for use

Abstract

Currently, heating and hot water supply of urban facilities is provided, as a rule, by centralized heating systems. The source of thermal energy in such systems are city combined heat and power stations (CHPs) – which combine generation of electricity and heat – or district boilers. The benefits of centralized heat supply are widely recognized. However, their use also has drawbacks and limitations. The construction of extended heating mains to remote objects, as well as to objects in areas with low building density, is associated with significant capital investments and large heat losses along the mains. Their total operating expenses are significant. Serious problems also arise in the reconstruction of existing facilities and the construction of new ones in populated urban areas with dense buildings. The current tariffs for thermal energy, combined with the cost of connecting to the urban heating networks, make it increasingly necessary to think about alternative methods of heating. In addition, a large amount of fuel is burned at CHPs and boiler houses, which adversely affects the environment. A modern rural house is mainly heated from autonomous boilers, private heat generators, or stove heating. Solid fuel is traditionally used as energy in the stoves. The stove usually has a firebox (where fuel is burned), channels through which flue gases are transported, and a chimney that removes flue gases to the atmosphere.