On the Use of Agent-Based Simulation for Efficiency Analysis of Domestic Heating Using Photovoltaic Solar Energy Production Combined with a Heatpump

In this paper agent-based simulation is used to analyse the efficiency of domestic heating based on a heatpump together with photovoltaic (PV) solar energy production. A simulation model for the cost (in terms of required kWh per day) of a heating agent based on a heatpump over a year is used, in addition to a simulation model for the yields of a PV production agent estimating the produced solar energy (in kWh per day). In particular, for the heating agent it is analysed how its performance depends on the outdoor temperature, and for the PV-installation agent how the yields depend on irradiation. Based on empirical temperature and irradiation data over a year it is found out which fraction of the energy required per year for heating can be covered by the yields of the PV installation.