Optimization of Centralized-Distributed cooperative heat pump systems for Performance, Costs, and environmental benefits in electrified buildings

• Electrified systems with heat pumps outperform traditional gas boilers. • Centralized–distributed cooperative systems optimize energy, costs, and emissions. • Cooperative systems cut costs and CO 2 by 16.43% and 19.39%, respectively. • Cooperative systems reduce reliance on oversized equipment and storage. Heat pumps play a critical role in electrified building systems, yet their performance and reliability often degrade significantly during cold winter conditions, challenging their broader implementation. This study evaluates the performance, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts of a novel centralized–distributed cooperative heat pump system compared to a baseline gas boiler and two electrified configurations: decentralized and centralized systems. While the cooperative system addresses winter performance degradation and enhances heat pump stability, its potential is limited under rule-based operation. To overcome this limitation, an optimization model was developed considering the actual annual heating, cooling, and domestic hot water demands of a 100-household residential apartment complex. Results show that the cooperative system outperforms decentralized and centralized systems in energy efficiency, cost savings, and CO 2 emissions reduction. The optimized cooperative system reduced total costs and CO 2 emissions by 16.43% and 19.39%, respectively, compared to the baseline, while reducing the rated capacity of the equipment and minimizing reliance on thermal storage. These advantages were maximized with optimization, dynamically adjusting intermediate temperatures and operational modes to suit varying load conditions. Heat pump systems can potentially redefine residential energy systems in electrified buildings, with cooperative configurations enhancing performance, flexibility, and sustainability.