Efficient energy systems on the basis of cogeneration and heat pump technology

Standard energy systems of communities, in particular industrialized areas, are characterized by a considerable amount of avoidable primary energy consumption. It can be shown that this potential can be realized by energy systems that are based on cogeneration and electrical heat pump technology. The typical features and components of such systems are discussed and a closed formula for their primary energy demand is presented. Results for a particular system demonstrate that the primary energy demand of the existing standard energy systems can be reduced to about 50% by switching over to the efficient energy systems. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicates Elsevier SAS.