Large Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Fuel-Boiler Substitution in Non-Retrofitted Multi-Family Buildings—Energy Performance, CO₂ Savings, and Lessons Learned in Actual Conditions of Use

Abstract

The use of air source heat pumps (ASHP) in the specific context of existing multi-family buildings (MFB) represents an important challenge, especially in terms of performance and technical constraints in real conditions of use. This study concerns the actual performance of two non-retrofitted MFB (4047 and 7563 m2), whose original fossil heat supply was replaced by a centralized monovalent (2 × 156 kW) and hybrid (6 × 34 kW) ASHP system for space heating and domestic hot water. Based on a detailed monitoring campaign covering two years of operation, it can be concluded that both systems are able to supply the required temperature and cover the entire heat demand. By closely following up these pilot projects, constraints linked to integration and operation were identified. Optimization measures allowed us to increase the COP of the monovalent system (from 1.3 up to 3.4, with an optimized SPF of 2.3) and to raise the HP share of the hybrid system (from 50% to 67%, with an optimized SPF of 2.3). Both systems offer major progress in terms of CO2 savings (92% and 68%) and increased renewable energy share (75% and 43%), considering the hourly CO2 content of the Swiss electricity mix.

Keywords

• air to water heat pump
• multi-family building
• retrofit
• monovalent and hybrid system
• actual performance
• in-situ monitoring