Evaluation of hybrid heat pumps’ efficiencies and operating behaviors in collective dwelling buildings using a hardware-inthe- loop approach
Given the current climate change scenario and the growing global awareness of energy consumption and heat generation, many European stakeholders are advocating for complete electrification and extensive building renovations. However, implementing these measures takes considerable time due to various constraints. Meanwhile, many households remain uninformed about existing technologies and strategies that suit their financial, geographical, and housing conditions. Combining an electric heat pump with a boiler, either as a new hybrid heat pump system or as an add-on solution, offers the benefits of both technologies, including thermal power, reduced impact on electricity peak load, and improved overall efficiency. This study focuses on evaluating the seasonal efficiency of commercially available hybrid heat pump using a Hardware in the Loop (HiL) approach. This method assesses equipment performance under real-world conditions. The heating season is condensed into 5 days using the k-medoid method for the Strasbourg climate region. The HiL system is connected to a climatic chamber that simulates external temperature and humidity. Heating needs are modeled using dynamic modelling software. A HiL experimental study was conducted on a typical collective dwelling with two insulation levels, and the seasonal efficiency of the system was computed. The results show that for both cases, low and high insulation levels, hybrid heat pumps offer good results and decreased fossil fuel reliance, highlighting this product as a flexible and effective tool for decarbonizing the heating sector.