Potential for optimal operation of Industrial Heat Pumps with Thermal Energy Storage for emissions and cost reduction

Abstract

This paper presents an optimal control strategy for an industrial heat pump with thermal energy storage (TES) in a brewery. The objective of the study is to investigate the potential benefits of load shifting using the TES and the impact of the fluctuations of electricity price, solar radiation and carbon intensity of the grid on the system operating costs and CO2 emissions. The study is conducted using a simulation model, and the results show that by utilizing the TES, the operating costs and CO2 emissions of the heat pump can be reduced significantly. The optimal operation of the heat pump is found to be highly dependent on the electricity price and the efficiency of the heat pump. Furthermore, the study shows that cost-optimal operation leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions and vice versa. The study highlights the potential benefits of implementing such an optimal control strategy in industrial settings, where energy demands are high and subject to electricity price fluctuations. However, accurately predicting parameters such as electricity price, solar radiation, and energy demand is crucial for the optimal control strategy to be effective. Implementing a predictive model that can accurately predict these parameters is necessary to exploit the potential of the optimal control strategy.