HEAT PUMPS AS A TREND OF LOW-CARBON ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

An overview of the energy and economic problems of using heat pumps is given. The stages of the development of the world and European energy industry with their inherent economic and financial crises and their influence on the application volume of heat pumps are shown. The main regulatory and technical legislation of European countries in the scope of heat pumps and related sectors of the economy is presented. The main factors of the use of heat pump equipment are considered, the challenges and possible development trends are analyzed. Energy management and economic measures that contributed to the growth of heat pump implementations during the global energy crisis of 2021–2022 are assessed. The current state of heat pump use in the world, in Europe, in particular in Germany and Poland, is given. The reasons and organizational measures that led to the active growth of heat pumps in some European countries are indicated. The recent Polish experience in the favorable policy of active support of heat pump technologies and electrification of heat supply is evaluated in detail. An example of economic indicators for a typical building of the European energy efficiency standard with various options for heat supply, including heat pump technologies, as well as individual photovoltaics, is given. The use of high-power heat pumps (more than 100 kW) in centralized heat supply systems and various industries in Europe is analyzed. The prospects for the development of heat pumps from the point of view of the electrification of heat supply, the achievement of low-carbon energy and the prevention of harmful climate changes are outlined. It is recommended to use the positive experience of Poland in the policy of supporting heat pumps in the reconstruction of residential buildings destroyed by the war in Ukraine. Bibl. 37, Fig. 9, Tab. 5.