Re:Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
by torpfactory on Saturday November 24, 2018 @01:41AM
(#18520829)
I think a combined cycle gas plant producing electricity at ~55% efficiency paired with a heat pump on site with a COP above 2 is actually better. Modern heat pumps actually have a COP in the 4-6 range (at least, ductless mini splits do). It’s a little surprising but it’s also cheaper to run a heat pump with a COP greater than 3 (gas is ~1/3 the price on a kWh basis). They are definitely a bit more expensive upfront, however.
Re:Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
by ip26 on Saturday November 24, 2018 @02:42PM
(#18523642)
Don't forget about 20% transmission losses.
I guess it'll depend on the climate, the COP of even the best heat pumps drops to 2 or worse in colder weather. I think I can agree that if it's a very mild climate and you frequently get a COP of 4 or better, then that could already beat a furnace in per-BTU gas consumption.
Re:Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
by NeedMoreTea on Saturday November 24, 2018 @04:48AM
(#18521285)
That's the sort of change I had in mind. To start a move off fossil and onto electric utilising community heat pump schemes for new estates and apartments etc. Far better as a community thing than individuals so the costs are reduced to each. That or electric for those houses with solar.
Well, fwiw if we're going to heat with fossil fuels, it is best to "burn on-site". You don't get 98% efficiency in a natural gas power plant.
Until renewables take over the grid, natural gas space heating is probably as good a fuel choice as we've got.