The role of large‐scale heat pumps for short term integration of renewable energy

In this report the role of large-scale heat pumps in a future energy system with increased renewable energy is presented. The main concepts for large heat pumps in district heating systems are outlined along with the development for heat pump refrigerants. The development of future heat pump technologies is focusing on natural working fluid hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.

Large-scale heat pumps are crucial for integrating 50% wind power as anticipated to be installed in Denmark in 2020, along with other measures. Also in the longer term heat pumps can contribute to the minimization of biomass consumption as base load in the energy system. Large heat pumps may also contribute to developing future smart energy systems as they can create flexibility between the electricity and heating/cooling sectors.

A case study of Denmark in 2020 indicates that large heat pumps can increase fuel savings with increased wind power and may additionally lead to economic savings in the range of 1,500-1,700 MDKK in total in the period until 2020. Furthermore, the energy system efficiency may be increased due to large heat pumps replacing boiler production.

Finally data sheets for large-scale ammonium and carbon dioxide heat pumps have been developed regarding COP, investments, O&M, etc., along with heat source uptake investment costs for heat pumps.