Energy- and Exergy-Based Comparison of Natural Gas Boiler and Electric Heat Pump Systems for Low-Temperature Heat Process Decarbonization
Applied Sciences (Switzerland), vol.16, no.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 16 Issue: 11
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3390/app16115553
- Journal Name: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Keywords: carbon-free energy systems, decarbonization, electric heat pump, energy, exergy, natural gas boiler
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Istanbul Gelisim University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Decarbonization strategies, driven by rising global energy demand and climate change goals, focus on reducing carbon use in energy sources. This study aims to examine the thermodynamic performance of two different heating technologies—a natural gas boiler and an electric heat pump—that provide 100 kW of useful heat at a temperature of 60 °C under the same operating conditions. A combined evaluation of energy and exergy analyses shows that electric heat pumps are superior to natural gas boilers in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Energy consumption is reduced by approximately 74%, while exergy loss decreases by more than 80%. Comparative analysis revealed that the electric heat pump requires almost four times less exergy input than a boiler to produce the same amount of useful heat. The results indicate that the electric heat pump provides substantial benefits when assessed in terms of decarbonization. Under the same conditions, the heat pump emits 12.9 kg of CO2 compared to 22.4 kg from the natural gas boiler, resulting in approximately a 42.7% reduction in emissions. These findings indicate that substituting fossil fuel thermal systems with efficient electric technologies is crucial for the thermodynamic decarbonization of heat processes.