Choice Of Heating System Research Articles

How should you heat your home in the green energy transition? A scenario-based multi-criteria decision-making approach

The choice of heating system is significant for city planners and building owners alike, and many important areas, such as the well-being of residents, climate change impact and resource efficiency, may influence the choice. Understanding how to balance these areas is crucial for effective decision-making that can contribute to sustainable development and the green energy transition. However, these decisions represent complex problems where disparate knowledge areas must be considered simultaneously. When faced with this type of decision-making problem, employing different multi-criteria decision-making methods is common. However, such methods only provide a snapshot of which alternative is preferred and because of this, their results may become obsolete due to changes in the performance of alternatives or the value perceptions of the decision-makers. To overcome this challenge and to improve the longevity and reliability of multi-criteria decision-making results, the authors of this study explored a novel approach to producing semi-dynamic results through scenarios, which were used to consider possible future changes to the alternatives' performance and the decision-makers’ value perceptions. The application of scenarios in the multi-criteria decision-making method enabled nuanced information to be produced on how the performance of different heating alternatives may change under different plausible futures. This approach was demonstrated by applying it to the case of residential heating in Denmark, where results showed that while final rankings varied across both scenarios and ranking methods, solar heating was the preferred alternative, while the oil boiler alternative performed the worst. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering likely future changes to both the performance of alternatives and the value perceptions of decision-makers when making decisions with long lifetimes and suggests an approach for doing this.

Analysing Energy-Saving Behaviours in Italian Households

In the European context of moving to a low-carbon economy, knowledge regarding household decisions surrounding residential heating systems is crucial for policymakers in order to design effective policies both to reduce non-renewable energy consumption and to enhance energy efficiency in the residential sector. The choices made by households concerning decisions on how to heat their homes can significantly influence the related environmental impacts. This research examines two aspects of decision making with respect to heating system upgrades in Italian households using, for the first time, data from the 2013 Italian Households Energy Consumption survey: the choice of using renewable energies for space heating and decision to invest in energy efficient retrofits. Our findings show that household socio-economic characteristics and contextual factors are critical for good decision-making regarding heating system. We also find that previous cash retrofit investments and dwelling characteristics are important determining factors both for the choice of heating system based on renewable sources and for the subsequent decision regarding the adoption of energy efficient retrofit measures.

Cost-optimal retrofit analysis for residential buildings

The current retrofit rate in Switzerland is very low. Among other reasons this is attributed to a lack of knowledge about cost-optimal retrofit strategies. In this work we carry out a holistic cost-optimal retrofit analysis for a Swiss single-family house. First, currently popular retrofit measures including all incurring lifecycle costs are identified and collected. Thereby, building systems as well as building envelope retrofit measures are considered. The retrofit measures are then combined to form a wide range of applicable retrofit strategies which are assessed in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. The calculation methodology considers the impact of building envelope retrofit measures on the design and efficiency of the heating system. For the case study building, the most cost-optimal retrofit strategy is to combine a geothermal heat pump with inter-rafter roof insulation and cellar ceiling insulation. The results indicate that the choice of heating system is much more crucial in terms of cost-effectiveness than building envelope measures. With respect to reducing primary energy consumption, building envelope measures are indispensable, however, when aiming for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the choice of heating system becomes dominant.

Semi-analytical model for thermal response of anhydrite radiant slab

The choice of heating systems in buildings is primarily guided by the desired comfort level and energy saving concerns. Radiant floor heating systems are suitable for satisfying these requirements by considering the trade-off between minimizing the thermal inertia of the radiant slab and maintaining the surface temperature below a certain value. In this study, a new simplified model based on an analytical correlation is proposed to evaluate the heating radiant slab surface temperature and examine its thermal behavior under dynamic conditions. A full-scale test cell, monitored by a set of sensors, was used to obtain measurements under transient conditions. In addition, numerical models based on the finite difference method and the finite volume method were developed and validated under transient conditions. The design of experiments method is used to derive meta-models for the time constant and the delay time in order to compute the surface temperature. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the specific heat capacity of the slab material and the heating water flowrate significantly affect the time constant as opposed to the insignificant effect of the thermal conductivity and the heating water pipe inner diameter. In addition, it was found that all of these parameters, except for the heating water flowrate, have a significant impact on the delay time. Compared to the experimental results, the maximum relative deviations on the computed surface temperature were within 2% for the numerical model and 4% for the semi-analytical model.

The rationale for choosing a pigsty heating system

Purpose. To analyze the types of heating systems for heating a pig farm. Determine the factors that have a significant impact on the choice of heating and ventilation systems of the pig farm and justify the choice of the heating system for pigsties. Methods. To justify the choice of a pigsty heating system, the methods of comparative and system analysis, synthesis, scientific generalizations and the method of argumentation were used. Results. The types of heating systems for heating a pig farm are analyzed. The share of costs for heat supply and microclimate in the total costs of fuel and energy resources in pig holding facilities is given. The necessary temperature regime for sows, piglets weeks from birth and pigs for fattening was determined. The factors that have a significant influence on the selection of the system of heating and ventilation of the pig farm are determined. Conclusions. In addition to the room configuration, the choice of a heating system is significantly affected by the presence of various energy sources in the household, the equipment used and the availability of labor resources. Heating must be synchronized with the ventilation system. Given the energy efficiency and the absence of drafts in the growing sections, it is advisable to use an infrared type of heating. An effective heating system for heating a room with weaned pigs is a “warm” floor, which is advisable to use with infrared heaters. Keywords: pigsty, microclimate, heat supply, heating system, ventilation system, advantages and disadvantages, infrared heating, coolant.

Heating system upgrades: The role of knowledge, socio-demographics, building attributes and energy infrastructure

In the context of moving to a low-carbon economy there is wide interest among policymakers to improve knowledge of decisions surrounding residential heating systems. This research examines four aspects of decision-making with respect to heating system upgrades: home-owner decisions on whether to upgrade, decisions on fuel choice, fuel switching patterns, and an examination of the reasons why home-owners make these decisions. Among the key findings are that proximity to energy infrastructure, e.g. gas network, is an important determinant of residential heating systems upgrades, including fuel choice. With one exception no clear trend emerges on the likelihood of a broad range of socio-demographic variables, including age, income, and working status on home-owner decisions. A cohort of home-owners defined across a few socio-demographic characteristics, including mortgage holders, are predisposed to investing in a heating system upgrade compared to their peers but for reasons unknown do not invest. We also find that environmental concerns, across a number of dimensions, are not an important determining factor in either the decision to upgrade or the subsequent choice of heating system. Information on heating system alternatives is critical for good decision-making but we find that home-owners do not always rely on independent energy consultants for guidance.

The Techno-Economics of Small-Scale Residential Heating in Low Carbon Futures

Existing studies that consider the techno-economics of residential heating systems typically focus on their performance within present-day energy systems. However, the energy system within which these technologies operate will need to change radically if climate change mitigation is to be achieved. This article addresses this problem by modelling small-scale heating techno-economics in the context of significant electricity system decarbonisation. The current electricity market price regime based on short run marginal costs is seen to provide a very weak investment signal for electricity system investors, so an electricity price regime based on long run marginal energy costs is also considered, using a case study of the UK in 2035. The economic case for conventional boilers remains stronger in most dwelling types. The exception to this is for dwellings with high annual heat demand. Sensitivity studies demonstrate the impact of factors such as price of natural gas, carbon intensity of the central grid and thermodynamic performance. Fuel cell micro combined heat and power shows most potential under the long run electricity price regime, and heat pumps under the short run electricity price regime. This difference highlights the importance of future electricity market structure on consumer choice of heating systems in the future.

Marquage CE pour les dispositifs médicaux et nouveau règlement européen : évolutions et outils d’aide à la « personne qualifiée »

The choice of heating systems in buildings is primarily guided by the desired comfort level and energy saving concerns. Radiant floor heating systems are suitable for satisfying these requirements by considering the trade-off between minimizing the thermal inertia of the radiant slab and maintaining the surface temperature below a certain value. In this study, a new simplified model based on an analytical correlation is proposed to evaluate the heating radiant slab surface temperature and examine its thermal behavior under dynamic conditions. A full-scale test cell, monitored by a set of sensors, was used to obtain measurements under transient conditions. In addition, numerical models based on the finite difference method and the finite volume method were developed and validated under transient conditions. The design of experiments method is used to derive meta-models for the time constant and the delay time in order to compute the surface temperature. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the specific heat capacity of the slab material and the heating water flowrate significantly affect the time constant as opposed to the insignificant effect of the thermal conductivity and the heating water pipe inner diameter. In addition, it was found that all of these parameters, except for the heating water flowrate, have a significant impact on the delay time. Compared to the experimental results, the maximum relative deviations on the computed surface temperature were within 2% for the numerical model and 4% for the semi-analytical model.

The trigger matters: The decision-making process for heating systems in the residential building sector

As heat demand of buildings accounts for a significant amount of final energy use and related carbon emissions, it’s important to gain insights into the homeowners’ decision-making processes and to identify factors determining the choice of heating systems. In this study, data was collected in an online survey carried out in 2015, from private homeowners of existing and newly built single and double-family houses in Austria who had invested in a new heating system within the last ten years (N=484). In contrast to previous studies, this study specifically investigates the triggers behind homeowner decisions to invest in a new heating system (e.g. problem, opportunity, or new building situation). Results of binary logistic regression analysis show that subsidies for heating system tabinvestments and infrastructural adjustments reveal to be most effective for homeowners in problem situations to foster alternative heating systems. For homeowners in opportunity situations (e.g. building refurbishment), in addition operational convenience appears to be important. For new buildings, the main barriers for alternative heating system adoption were found in the positive perception of fuel supply security and feasibility of fossil systems. Thus, the use of trigger-specific policy measures is proposed to foster alternative heating systems in the residential building sector.

Stated preferences of Finnish private homeowners for residential heating systems: A discrete choice experiment

Our aim is to examine how different attributes of residential heating systems affect private homeowners' choice of heating system following renovations when heterogeneity in the homeowners' preferences is considered. Utilizing the results of our choice model, we then aim to simulate the market shares of different heating systems under various policy scenarios. The data were retrieved by a questionnaire mailed to a random sample of Finnish private owners of detached houses built in the 1960s–1990s with a response rate of 52%. The labeled choice sets in the discrete choice experiment (DCE) had 6 heating system alternatives (wood pellet boiler, solid wood fired boiler, district heat, electricity, ground heat (pump) and oil boiler) with varying levels of predetermined attributes (investment cost, annual operating cost, CO2 emissions, fine particle emissions and required own work). The choice modeling results emphasized the role of the investment cost as the main attribute affecting the decisions, although nonfinancial attributes also had a considerable effect. Systematic preference heterogeneity was caused by the availability of district heat, the existing heating system and the homeowner's forest ownership. In addition, the results indicated a significant unobserved preference heterogeneity. Based on the simulation of market shares, the use of wood pellets in residential heating is projected to increase threefold during 2009–2020.

Building energy-efficiency standards in a life cycle primary energy perspective

In this study we analyze the life cycle primary energy use of a wood-frame apartment building designed to meet the current Swedish building code, the Swedish building code of 1994 or the passive house standard, and heated with district heat or electric resistance heating. The analysis includes the primary energy use during the production, operation and end-of-life phases. We find that an electric heated building built to the current building code has greater life cycle primary energy use relative to a district heated building, although the standard for electric heating is more stringent. Also, the primary energy use for an electric heated building constructed to meet the passive house standard is substantially higher than for a district heated building built to the Swedish building code of 1994. The primary energy for material production constitutes 5% of the primary energy for production and space heating and ventilation of an electric heated building built to meet the 1994 code. The share of production energy increases as the energy-efficiency standard of the building improves and when efficient energy supply is used, and reaches 30% for a district heated passive house. This study shows the significance of a life cycle primary energy perspective and the choice of heating system in reducing energy use in the built environment.

Norwegian households’ perception of wood pellet stove compared to air-to-air heat pump and electric heating

In 2003, the high dependency on electric heating combined with the high electricity price prompted a significant number of Norwegian households to consider alternative heating systems. The government introduced economic support for wood pellet heating and heat pumps. In contrast to the fast growing heat pump market, this financial support has not resulted in a widespread adoption of wood pellet heating. This paper studies factors that influence the choice of heating system based on Norwegian households’ perceptions. Electric heating, heat pump and wood pellet heating were compared, with a special focus on wood pellet heating. This study was conducted as a questionnaire survey on two independent samples. The first sample consisted of 188 randomly chosen Norwegian households, mainly using electric heating; the second sample consisted of 461 households using wood pellet heating. Our results show that socio-demographic factors, communication among households, the perceived importance of heating system attributes, and the applied decision strategy all influence the Norwegian homeowners. The significance of these factors differs between the two samples and the preferred type of anticipated future heating system. Strategies for possible interventions and policy initiatives are discussed.

Innovative approaches to domestic heating: homeowners' perceptions and factors influencing their choice of heating system

AbstractThe paper focuses on Swedish homeowners' perceptions of innovative heating systems, and those factors that influence their decision to adopt a new heating system. The systems studied were: district heating, heat pumps and pellet boilers. Results of two household surveys – one covering the whole of Sweden in autumn 2004 and the other in the city of Östersund in summer 2005 – revealed that approximately 80% of the survey respondents, particularly those with resistance heaters, did not intend to install an innovative heating system. Economic aspects, functional reliability and indoor air quality were found to be the most important factors influencing respondents' choice of a heating system. Survey respondents thought that a bedrock heat pump system has a number of advantages with respect to the annual cost of heating, security of fuel supply, environmental benignity, market value of the home and low greenhouse gas emission. A district heating system has advantages regarding functional reliability, system automation and time required to obtain information. A pellet boiler system has one main advantage: investment cost. Compared with homeowners having other types of heating systems, those with resistance heaters accorded more importance to investment cost due to the high cost of installing a water‐based system for heat distribution within the home.

Energy Consumption for Space Heating: A Discrete–Continuous Approach

Energy demand for space heating is estimated using a discrete–continuous choice model which focuses on the relationship between the choice of heating equipment and energy consumption. The model is estimated on Norwegian micro data, and the two stages of the model are estimated simultaneously. The capital cost and the operating cost of the heating systems are both found to have a significant impact on the choice of heating system. Furthermore, the results show that household characteristics are important variables in residential energy models. Energy price elasticities and income elasticities are also estimated.

The requirements of a next step large steady state tokamak

After a decision by the ITER parties to investigate the possibility of designing a reduced cost version of ITER several possible machine layouts with different aspect ratios were studied. Relatively early in this process it became clear that there is no significant cost difference between different aspect ratios and that there is a maximum realistically possible aspect ratio for a machine with 6 m major radius and rather high plasma shaping. Following this study a machine with an intermediate aspect ratio (3.1) called the ITER Fusion Energy Advanced Tokamak (ITER FEAT) was chosen as the basis for the outline design of a reduced cost ITER. Several potential steady state scenarios can be investigated in ITER FEAT, i.e. monotonic or reversed shear at full or reduced minor radius. In addition, so-called hybrid discharges, are feasible where a mixture of inductive and non-inductive current drive as well as bootstrap current allows long pulse discharges of the order of 2500 s. The βN values and H factors required for these discharges are in the same range as those observed on present machines, which providesconfidence that such discharges can be studied in ITER FEAT. However, due to uncertainties in physics knowledge, for example the current drive efficiency off-axis, it is impossible at present to generate a completely self-consistent scenario taking all boundary conditions, for example engineering or heating system constraints, into account. In addition, all of these regimes have a potential problem with divertor operation compatibility (low edge density) and with helium exhaust which has to be addressed in existing experiments. For the engineering design of the in-vessel components and for the balance of the plant there is practically no difference between inductive (500 s) and steady state operation. However, the choice of heating systems and the distribution of power between them will be strongly influenced by the envisaged steady state scenarios.

Energy demand impact of incentive programmes: A non-parametric analysis for the Canadian Oil Substitution Program

A non-parametric approach based on B-splines is used to analyse the impact of the Canadian Oil Substitution Program (COSP) on the choice of heating systems in the residential sector in Canada and in Quebec. Our results suggest that the COSP did not achieve its main purpose of accelerating the decline in the use of oil between 1981 and 1985.

A disaggregate model of residential heating mode choice: a multinomial probit modelling approach

This paper examines the characteristics that influence the household's choice of heating system. A multinomial probit model is developed and tested using disaggregate survey data from 712 respondents across Canada. The results indicate that product reliability is the characteristic having the most significant impact on choice, followed by the yearly operating costs of the system. This implies that successful research and development and marketing programmes should both be directed toward improving these product attributes and relating this information to prospective purchasers.

Paper 1: Practices in the Domestic Field

The paper briefly sketches the background to domestic heating in Britain from Roman times to contemporary awareness of the desirability of better heating. The extent of the domestic market now awaiting satisfaction, and the influences of fuel policy are discussed. The effect of contemporary building methods on the choice of heating systems is considered, and the available systems discussed. Present practices in both public and private sectors of housing are noted, together with comments on the reasons for past and prevailing techniques. Topics leading to considerations of the fuel suppliers' interest in the capital goods market in central heating systems are given, and, finally, some remarks on the potential role of district heating in the domestic central heating field are presented.