Prospects for the use of electric water heat generators in apartment buildings

In cities with cold climates and water-based heating systems, the primary heating options for apartment buildings include: 1. Centralized heating, where thermal energy is supplied from a central source. 2. Building-wide local heating, with a single heat generator running on hydrocarbon fuel. 3. Individual apartment-based heating, where each unit has its own hydrocarbon-fueled heat generator. 1. Centralized heating, where thermal energy is supplied from a central source. 2. Building-wide local heating, with a single heat generator running on hydrocarbon fuel. 3. Individual apartment-based heating, where each unit has its own hydrocarbon-fueled heat generator. An alternative to these systems is the use of electric water-based heat generators. The purpose of this article is to conduct a multifactor analysis of heating system options, comparing them in terms of: • Energy efficiency • Cost of energy resources and operation • Greenhouse gas emissions • Safety over the full lifecycle of heating equipment, as well as external urban and internal building infrastructure. • Energy efficiency • Cost of energy resources and operation • Greenhouse gas emissions • Safety over the full lifecycle of heating equipment, as well as external urban and internal building infrastructure. Given current trends in electricity production, the article suggests that a gradual and complete transition to electric heating in apartment buildings is both viable and necessary. To support this transition, government subsidies should be allocated for new developments, as modernizing citywide infrastructure is a large-scale effort. Several countries have already introduced incentives for switching to electric heating in apartment buildings, such as special electricity tariffs. Household electricity consumption follows a hierarchical pattern. A proposed technical solution involves consumption management, ensuring a maximum load of 15 kWh for apartments up to 100 m 2 with four occupants. The total household electricity consumption during the heating season does not exceed the summer energy consumption in most countries. Countries have differences in energy tariffs and different levels of CO2 emissions. Calculations are carried out for each country separately. • The cost of energy resources varies significantly from country to country. • Heating systems for apartment buildings have specific urban characteristics. • Comparative analysis considers economic and environmental factors, service quality, and operational safety. • Research must cover the full life cycle of equipment and infrastructure. • In urban areas, a gradual transition to fully electric heating systems is advisable.