Assessment of renewable energy integration in residential HVAC systems

Abstract

This study evaluates the integration of renewable energy technologies into residential HVAC systems under Finnish climatic conditions, focusing on energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operational cost. Three apartment buildings located in Helsinki, Jyväskylä, and Rovaniemi were analysed to represent different climatic regions. Four system configurations were assessed, including a baseline district heating system, integrating ground-source heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, and solar thermal collectors.

A monthly energy balance approach based on heating degree days was used to estimate system performance. The results show that GSHP systems improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, while PV systems provide the largest reduction in purchased electricity and operational cost. Solar thermal systems contribute to domestic hot water demand but have limited annual impact due to seasonal variability. The combined GSHP + PV + ST configuration achieves the best overall performance. The findings highlight the importance of integrated energy solutions for low-emission and cost-effective residential buildings in cold climates.