Wind power integration in Aalborg Municipality using compression heat pumps and geothermal absorption heat pumps

Aalborg Municipality, Denmark is investigating ways of switching to 100% renewable energy supply over the next 40 years. Analyses so far have demonstrated a potential for such a transition through energy savings, district heating (DH) and the use of locally available biomass, wind power and low-temperature geothermal resources. The analyses have also demonstrated that the municipality will still rely heavily on surrounding areas for electric load balancing assistance. With a departure in a previously elaborated 100% renewable energy scenario, this article investigates how absorption heat pumps (AHP) and compression heat pumps (HP) for the supply of DH impact the integration of wind power. Hourly scenario-analyses made using the EnergyPLAN model reveal a boiler production and electricity excess which is higher with AHPs than with HPs whereas condensing mode power generation is increased by the application of HPs rather than AHP.

► 100% renewable energy scenario for a city based on wind power, biomass and geothermal energy. ► Large-scale integration of wind power. ► Comparison of system integration of wind power with geothermal absorption heat pumps and compression heat pumps.