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Milev, G 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8054-7628,
2024.
Towards NetZero cities: mixed methods approach for investigating the challenges of the decarbonisation of heating and transportation in urban environments.
PhD, Nottingham Trent University.
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Abstract
The UK's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has driven a national shift towards the electrification of heating and transport sectors, with heat pumps (HPs) and electric vehicles (EVs) playing a pivotal role. However, the mass adoption of these technologies presents significant challenges, particularly concerning the capacity and stability of the national electricity grid. This thesis investigates the potential impacts of large-scale deployment of HPs and EVs on the UK grid, alongside exploring the technical performance of HPs across different housing types and insulation levels, as well as the public’s awareness and acceptance of this technology; with focus on defrost cycles of the heat pumps from the technical aspects.
To address these challenges, a test rig for air source heat pump (ASHP) was constructed and used to validate a Simulink model, enabling the simulation of ASHP performance under varying conditions, such as house types and insulation standards. The research then extends to an exploration of user experience through two case studies with heat pump users and a public questionnaire aimed at understanding the awareness and perceptions surrounding HP technology. This comprehensive approach highlights the technical, behavioural, and socio-economic factors that influence HP adoption.
Another case study of the Nottingham Ice Centre evaluates the use of HPs and thermal storages for heat recovery, assessing their potential as a potential alternative to district heating in large-scale commercial environments. The findings from this case study suggest that HPs can significantly reduce reliance on district heating, however, at the cost of increased electricity consumption. Whereas with the use of thermal storages, the reliance on district heating will not be eliminated but it would aid in reducing energy cost for commercial buildings. This demonstrates HPs and thermal storages’ potential in diverse applications beyond residential use.
Finally, the thesis undertakes an extensive simulation to explore the combined effects of EV adoption on the UK’s national grid. Results indicate that while the grid could handle the initial phases of electrification at current adoption rate, however significant upgrades, including advanced demand-response systems and energy storage solutions, will be required to maintain grid stability during peak demand periods, particularly in winter. In conclusion, this thesis provides critical insights into the technical and infrastructural challenges of HP and EV adoption in the UK. It emphasises the importance of grid modernisation, enhanced public awareness, and targeted policy interventions to ensure that the nation’s net-zero goals can be achieved without compromising grid reliability or energy affordability.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Milev, G. |
| Contributors: | Name Role NTU ID ORCID |
| Date: | September 2024 |
| Rights: | This research work is the intellectual property of the author. You may copy no more than 5 per cent of this work for personal or private study, non-commercial project/research. Any re-use of this information contained within this thesis document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, and degree level. Queries or request for any other use, and if a more substantial copy is needed, should be directed towards the owner of the Intellectual Property Rights. |
| Divisions: | Schools > School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment |
| Record created by: | Jeremy Silvester |
| Date Added: | 22 May 2025 15:44 |
| Last Modified: | 22 May 2025 15:44 |
| URI: | https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53644 |
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