A Study on the Potential Pathways of Renewable Heating at the University of Strathclyde - PT1

Abstract The research on renewable heating and low-carbon solutions has increased over the years as countries enforce zero emission targets. This study investigates the potential renewable heating solutions that the University of Strathclyde can adopt to shift from natural gas dependence. The current renewable heating technologies are examined with a focus on hydrogen generation and the use of heat pumps. The possibility of a heat pump system powered by wind energy and battery storage operating to meet the University’s heat demand was examined. The system was modelled using the HOMER energy software for which the pipeline system requirements were calculated. The pathway was concluded as feasible with a peak flowrate of 371.1 l/s and a water pump input power of 71.8 kW. Furthermore, the use of wind turbines resulted in a renewable fraction of 80.9% which increased to 88.4% upon the additions of batteries. Alterations to the system were considered, however due to time limitations were unable to be investigated further. It was concluded that for the total conversion to renewable heating all the technologies will only be successful when working together.