Replacement Scenarios of LPG Boilers with Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for a Production Manufacturing Site

Abstract

The replacement of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boilers with air-to-water heat pumps on an industrial site is proposed. The boilers are used to produce hot water for the heating of two workshops and for the manufacturing process (test benches). The substitution aims to improve the local air quality in terms of pollutant emissions. The energy benefits in terms of reduction of primary energy and CO2 emissions are analysed. The reduction in primary energy consumption varies between 51% and 64% for two different scenarios that are evaluated, respectively, under design and real operating conditions; the latter is based on the trend in heat loads and outdoor air temperatures recorded in a small town of central Italy in the year 2022. The results also show a decrease in CO2 production of between 58% and 68%. This replacement, carried out in a manufacturing context, represents a case study that may also be applied to industrial suburban areas of cities.