Samenvatting

Ymere and the city Almere will in the next ten years develop the residential area Almere Hout Noord. The ambitious targets of this area is a CO2 neutral and energy independent neighborhood with an EPC demand of 0,4. Because of the area's limitations an investigation into air source heat pumps was needed to establish if air source heat pump concepts are worth to consider as a residential heating option.
Air source heat pumps have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions associated with domestic space and hot water requirements. The energy cost and CO2 emissions reduction potential of these systems will only be achieved if they are designed properly. Efficient and reliable operation is required, not damaging fragile costumer confidence.
The carbon dioxide reduction potential for air source heat pumps is about 67% compared to natural gas boilers. However, the margins for saving annual energy costs are thin; approximately 10% compared to high efficiency natural gas heaters. Because of these thin margins, a proper optimal dimensioned heat pump system is needed. The highest potential is an inverter controlled air source heat pump with an electric auxiliary heater, extended with a solar collector and/or photo voltaic to further increase the reduction potential. The distribution system should consist of a floor heating systems with additional low temperature convectors.
The heat pumps market is still at the beginning of its potential. Further research and development of air source heat pumps is needed to reduce the risks involved with air source heat pump systems.