Optimization strategy for multi-energy complementary heating system for hospitals in severe cold regions: A case study

Abstract

The widespread adoption of a multi-energy complementary heating system leveraging excellent energy-saving and low-carbon performance is currently an effective solution to address the high energy consumption issue of hospitals in severe cold regions. However, the neglect of demand response during operation has become a serious obstacle to the sustainable operation of a multi-energy complementary heating system. A multi-energy complementary heating system integrating water-source heat pumps, coal-fired boilers, and gas-fired boilers is constructed, encompassing five energy solutions. The DeST software is used to simulate the energy consumption of the hospital, which provided a foundation for optimizing the operation strategy. Finally, the most effective energy option is suggested using the AHP-EWM-TOPSIS method for comprehensive evaluation. Results indicate that the operation strategy should be dynamically regulated according to the heat load demand. Compared with the traditional heating system, this dynamic regulation strategy can reduce CO₂ emissions and SO₂ emissions by more than 40%. It is noteworthy that WSHP-GB (water source heat pumps-gas boilers) the CO₂ emissions reduced by 70.18%, the energy saving rate reached 53.26%, and the proportion of green energy increased by 61%. Considering the four indicators of economy, technology, energy and environment comprehensively, WSHP-GB has been identified as the optimal heating scheme. Since the high-load heating demand accounts for less than 8% of the total, WSHP-GB can fully meet the basic needs during the heating period. This energy option provides a directly referable basis for the heating work of large public buildings in severe cold regions.