Energy, emissions, economic analysis of air-source heat pump with radiant heating system in hot-summer and cold-winter zone in China

The energy savings and economic performance study of the air-source heat pump (ASHP) and wall-hanging gas boiler (WGB) heating systems in hot-summer and cold-winter (HSCW) zones of China is beneficial to the development and implementation of relevant policies under the carbon neutrality background. This research presented a comprehensive analysis of the heat load, primary energy consumption, carbon dioxide and other emissions, and running costs of both heating systems in HSCW zones. Theoretical mathematical models of the energy consumption, emission, and economic performance of the ASHP and WGB heating systems were developed. The calculation results showed that the ASHP system consumed 12.3 % less primary energy than the WGB system, emitted 36.9 % more carbon dioxide, and reduced running costs by 26.0 %, where the increase in carbon dioxide emissions was mainly due to the limited heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency of grid systems. The experimental results showed the excellent energy consumption saving and economic benefits of the ASHP system compared to the WGB system, which promoted the applications of ASHP on a larger scale in HSCW zones of China. The comprehensive research results on the energy-saving and carbon dioxide emission performance of ASHP and WGB can contribute to evaluating the necessity of replacing WGB with ASHP and provide references for relevant policy planning in HSCW zones in China. The replacement of WGB with ASHP for spacing heating systems is promising coupled with the power system reformation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and accomplish China's carbon neutrality target. • Primary energy consumption models of ASHP and WGB heating systems were developed. • Carbon dioxide emission and running costs models of both heating systems were proposed. • Experimental energy & economic comparisons of both heating systems were conducted. • Experimental analysis demonstrated the large application feasibility of ASHP in HSCW zones in China.