Resumen
Decarbonizing energy used in domestic buildings requires the replacement of fossil fuel-based equipment (typically gas and oil boilers) for Heating/Cooling and Domestic Hot Water needs. Air-Water Heat pump systems are the proposed replacement due to their high efficiency, contribution to renewable generation sources (from the energy captured from the air), and negligible direct carbon emissions (due to natural refrigerants).
Heat Pump systems, the introduction of electric vehicles, and investment in new PV and Eolic plants create problems of quality and safety in current electric grids due to the need to increase grid capacity and spare generation. Future digitalization and automation of electricity systems (Smart Grid) can solve these problems using the flexibility of the consumer to modify the response to some external parameters, such as the price of the energy or other economic incentives. The flexibility of the consumer is the key parameter to implement Smart Grid systems. This proposal evaluates the flexibility of Heat Pump Systems in Domestic Buildings without affecting user comfort. Heat Pump Systems can use thermal building or accumulation DHW tank inertia for reducing electricity peaks. Nevertheless, current Heat Pump Systems must consider integrating Smart Grids using Demand Response schemes. Improvements can be developed by combining new sensors and controls to enhance flexibility. The project proposes the development of a Virtual Smart Grid Simulator for evaluating the flexibility of Heat Pumps in Domestic Buildings. Heat Pump Demand Response models are needed for that. The proposal is to design and build a new Heat pump prototype to be adapted to future smart grids. The prototype will be tested under dynamic conditions under specified Demand Response schemes. Experimental data will be used to validate a detailed dynamic HP system model that the Virtual Grid Simulator will call. Results will be analyzed in a pilot study of a neighborhood, and the analysis will report the flexibility potential of heat pumps in future Smart Grids. The results obtained will greatly value Smart Grid operators like Load Aggregators.
