Interpolating functions for CO2 emission factors in dynamic simulations: The special case of a heat pump

Abstract

The decarbonization strategy implies a strong reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. The use of heat pumps as generation systems for space heating is increasing together with the increase of renewable energy sources and is also increasing the attention paid to dynamic simulations of heat pumps as well as greenhouse gas emissions. In the present study, a simplified model to determine the hourly emissions of carbon dioxide of a device connected to the Italian power grid is investigated, and an interpolating function for each year, as well as concerning average conditions, is introduced, as a valid tool for deciding the utilization strategies of a heat pump to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, or, more in general, to evaluate the CO2 emissions when a common electric device is connected to the grid. The obtained results are applied to the special case of a residential heat pump displaying a particularly good agreement, with a maximum error of 1.8% for the heating season and 1.4% for the cooling one.