Optimized Spatial Tool for the Implementation of Ground Source Heat Pump Coupled with Photovoltaic Panels Heating Systems in Urban Areas

Abstract

The growth of the urban population intensifies climate change due to the increase in activities that emit greenhouse gases, such as heating. However, proper urban planning and effective environmental policies can mitigate these impacts and foster a sustainable future. This study proposes an optimized spatial tool to implement renewable coupled heating systems in urban areas, combining geothermal heat pump technology with electricity generation through photovoltaic panels. The tool performs an exhaustive geospatial analysis that considers technical, economic, and socio-environmental criteria, offering multiple alternatives prioritized through multi-criteria evaluation methods. This facilitates the design of various scenarios according to the investment in renewable coupled systems for heating in buildings, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7, 11, and 13. The tool is evaluated in the city of Madrid, specifically in the neighborhood of Ciudad Lineal, generating a total of 2733 alternatives. Four scenarios are designed based on the annual subsidies provided by the Spanish Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) for heating and cooling using renewable energy sources. The first scenario, which includes 599 alternatives, manages to avoid emissions of 5 MtCO2/year and primary energy savings of 278.9 GWh/year.