Simulation of economic, energy-saving, and environmental benefits of the centralized-decentralized two-stage heating mode

The centralized heating system (CH) effectively addresses low temperature issues but is limited by fixed operating hours, reduced flexibility, and energy waste during the heating period. This paper introduces a centralized-decentralized two-stage (CD-TSH), room-based, time-scheduled heating model. Using DeST software, it compares the heating load and energy consumption across different family schedules and heating modes, while also assessing their economic, energy-saving, and environmental impacts. The results indicate that the centralized-air source heat pump (C-ASHP) and centralized-split air conditioner (C-SAC) modes provide the greatest overall benefits for families with daytime occupants (Family X) and families without daytime occupants (Family Y), respectively. The annual life cycle costs for the two types of families are reduced by 5.58 % and 12.12 %, respectively, compared to CH, with economic costs decreasing by 3.65 % and 10.36 %. The energy consumption and pollutant emissions of Family X are reduced by 50.87 %, while those of Family Y decrease by 53.45 %, demonstrating substantial advantages in terms of economics, energy-savings, and environmental impact. CD-TSH, room-based, time-scheduled heating model, compared to traditional centralized heating, enhances flexibility in temperature control, improves user comfort, optimizes energy efficiency, and provides substantial economic, energy-saving, and environmental benefits. It offers an innovative solution for achieving carbon neutrality goals.