Simulation-based design optimization of heat pump systems considering building variations

Abstract

Heat pump systems (HPS) are a promising technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector by low-emission heat supply. However, their market penetration is inhibited by lower costs of conventional technologies. Thus, heat pumps must become cheaper to purchase and operate. Investment costs are related to the design, while operating costs are related to operational efficiency. Although design and operation are mutually interdependent, they are considered separately in conventional design procedures. This disconnect prevents the full potential of the technology from being realized.In this contribution, we present a framework to simultaneously consider design and operation in one optimization step using a simulation-based optimization approach called HPS eOD Design. Based on a building heat demand, the framework optimizes annualized costs and emissions of heat pump systems considering the operational behaviour already in the design. By coupling the optimization program with a software for automatic generation of building models called TEASER, HPS eOD Design can be applied to a wide variety of building types and locations.Optimization results reveal that optimizing heat pump system sizing improves annualized costs and emissions for six examined buildings by up to 8.2% in costs and 12.7% in emissions compared to sizings derived by the conventional design procedure VDI4645. To exploit even further potential, the integration of operational optimization within the design is highly recommended. In addition, a more detailed modeling approach of the building should be implemented in HPS eOD Design. Both measures lead to an acceleration of the building sector defossilization.