Energy impact of heating electrification in mid-rise multifamily buildings in mixed-humid climates

Wijesuriya, Sajith; Kishore, Ravi Anant; Bianchi, Marcus V.A.; Booten, Chuck

doi:10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100181

Energy impact of heating electrification in mid-rise multifamily buildings in mixed-humid climates

Journal Article · Thu Sep 05 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Cell Reports Sustainability

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100181· OSTI ID:2447467

Wijesuriya, Sajith ^[1]; ^[1]; Bianchi, Marcus V.A. ^[1]; ^[1]

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Decarbonizing the electric grid in conjunction with electrifying residential heating is a critical step to combat climate change. Heating in multifamily buildings with the existing natural gas-fired central boiler is a complex process that not only leads to overheating in some apartment units but also results in energy waste and high gas bills. In this study, we consider a multifamily building in New York City, USA, to evaluate the performance of five different heating systems, which represent a step-by-step transition from the conventional to a fully electrified heating system, and determine their impact on the site energy consumption and source CO₂ emissions. Results indicate that overheating in a multifamily building can raise the indoor temperature by as much as 8°C above comfortable limits. Transitioning from conventional steam radiators to cold climate heat pumps can reduce annual site heating energy by up to 70% and source CO₂ emissions by up to 21%.

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 2447467

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA--5500-84544; MainId:85317; UUID:cc74d54b-d91a-41de-939d-67cc2407cdde; MainAdminId:73713

Journal Information:: Cell Reports Sustainability, Journal Name: Cell Reports Sustainability Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 1; ISSN 2949-7906

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
decarbonization
electrification
energy
heating
mid-rise buildings
overheating
peak demand
preheating
source CO2
thermal storage

Energy impact of heating electrification in mid-rise multifamily buildings in mixed-humid climates

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