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Efficiency Analysis of Independent and Centralized Heating Systems for Residential Buildings in Northern Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Matteo Zago

    (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy, Via Lambruschini 4, Milano 20156, Italy)

  • Andrea Casalegno

    (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy, Via Lambruschini 4, Milano 20156, Italy)

  • Renzo Marchesi

    (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy, Via Lambruschini 4, Milano 20156, Italy)

  • Fabio Rinaldi

    (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy, Via Lambruschini 4, Milano 20156, Italy)

Abstract

The primary energy consumption in residential buildings is determined by the envelope thermal characteristics, air change, outside climatic data, users’ behaviour and the adopted heating system and its control. The new Italian regulations strongly suggest the installation of centralized boilers in renovated buildings with more than four apartments. This work aims to investigate the differences in primary energy consumption and efficiency among several independent and centralized heating systems installed in Northern Italy. The analysis is carried out through the following approach: firstly building heating loads are evaluated using the software TRNSYS ® and, then, heating system performances are estimated through a simplified model based on the European Standard EN 15316. Several heating systems have been analyzed, evaluating: independent and centralized configurations, condensing and traditional boilers, radiator and radiant floor emitters and solar plant integration. The heating systems are applied to four buildings dating back to 2010, 2006, 1960s and 1930s. All the combinations of heating systems and buildings are analyzed in detail, evaluating efficiency and primary energy consumption. In most of the cases the choice between centralized and independent heating systems has minor effects on primary energy consumption, less than 3%: the introduction of condensing technology and the integration with solar heating plant can reduce energy consumption by 11% and 29%, respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Matteo Zago & Andrea Casalegno & Renzo Marchesi & Fabio Rinaldi, 2011. "Efficiency Analysis of Independent and Centralized Heating Systems for Residential Buildings in Northern Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 4(11), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:4:y:2011:i:11:p:2115-2131:d:14937
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    Cited by:

    1. Ghada Elshafei & Dušan Katunský & Martina Zeleňáková & Abdelazim Negm, 2022. "Opportunities for Using Analytical Hierarchy Process in Green Building Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-24, June.
    2. Kuang-Sheng Liu & Sung-Lin Hsueh & Wen-Chen Wu & Yu-Lung Chen, 2012. "A DFuzzy-DAHP Decision-Making Model for Evaluating Energy-Saving Design Strategies for Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 5(11), pages 1-19, November.
    3. Yi-Mei Liu & Kung-Ming Chung & Keh-Chin Chang & Tsong-Sheng Lee, 2012. "Performance of Thermosyphon Solar Water Heaters in Series," Energies, MDPI, vol. 5(9), pages 1-13, August.
    4. Marrasso, E. & Roselli, C. & Sasso, M. & Tariello, F., 2019. "Comparison of centralized and decentralized air-conditioning systems for a multi-storey/multi users building integrated with electric and diesel vehicles and considering the evolution of the national ," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 319-333.
    5. Guillermo Rey & Carlos Ulloa & Jose Luis Míguez & Elena Arce, 2016. "Development of an ICE-Based Micro-CHP System Based on a Stirling Engine; Methodology for a Comparative Study of its Performance and Sensitivity Analysis in Recreational Sailing Boats in Different Euro," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-14, March.

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