A generic methodology for mapping the performance of various heat pumps configurations considering part-load behavior

Electrification of heating is the main option for decarbonizing the residential sector, mainly through heat pumps, which are therefore widely considered both by local stakeholders and in energy outlook studies. However, sitespecific estimation of heat pump performance is rarely available or requires extensive building data. This paper presents a generic modeling of heat pumps that can be used to estimate the performance of heat pumps in various configurations and with few data inputs. The developed methodology includes partial load, defrosting and weather compensation. Three operating regimes are considered: Full load, inverter-controlled operation and on/off cycles. In this way, a wide range of configurations can be simulated, including different heat emitters, heat pump technologies and operating modes, with the only inputs required being weather data and COP curves at full-load. As an application, the performance of air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps for heating and cooling is mapped across Europe using a kriging approach. The methodology also allows quantifying the impact of oversizing on heat pump performance: a case study shows a possible new way forward for retrofit strategies with hybrid heat pumps. The datasets resulting from the simulations across Europe are made openly available for further use.