Economic and Environmental Analysis of Replacement of Natural Gas Heating System with Geothermal Heat Pump in District 11 of Tehran

Abstract

The world communities have always been involved with energy supply of their various sectors. In the meantime, home heating and warm water supply have been important in terms of energy consumption. In Iran, the main source of this energy is natural gas consumption. Building's powerhouse produce hot water by boilers and water's heat distribute in the rooms by air conditioner. These heating systems not only have the high cost of natural gas supply but also release massive amounts of air pollution in to the atmosphere. In autumn and winter, it causes critical air pollution condition. In recent years, the use of renewable energies to supply a part of the energy needs and reducing air pollution has been developed. One of these energies is the heat from the earth which is reliable, simple and not depends on the climate condition. Because of the air pollution condition, any technologies which can reduce the concentration of pollutants, even small amount, can receive the government and municipality support. Therefore replacement of heating systems with geothermal heat pumps to reduce natural gas consumption is in the urban management programs. In this paper, economic analysis and the return of capital of replacement of natural gas with geothermal heat pumps for hot water supply has been calculated in under construction buildings of district 11 of Tehran. Finally the environmental cost and air pollution reduction of this activity has been estimated.