The Effect of Non-Coordinated Heating Electrification Alternatives on a Low-Voltage Distribution Network with High PV Penetration

The energy transition requires electrical alternatives for domestic heating. Heat pumps are the most common alternatives to gas boilers. However, heat pumps consume a significant amount of electrical power. We simulated an 18-node low voltage network with five buildings with six apartments each to evaluate the effect of deploying heat pumps as part of multi-carrier energy systems at the residential level. We also combined heat pumps with solar collectors and thermal energy storage to quantity whether a more complex system benefits the low-voltage network. Replacing the gas boilers for heat pumps in the majority of the buildings resulted in voltage drops below the limit of the standard EN50160. The voltage drops were significantly improved when we included solar collectors and thermal energy storage in the domestic heating system.