Heat Pumps as a Key Driver of a Low-Carbon Future. Part 1. Historical Evolution and Development Prospects in Uzbekistan

This paper presents a scientific and analytical review of the evolution of heat pump (HP) technology as a key solution for energy-efficient, low-carbon heat supply. The prerequisites and main stages of heat pump development are examined, along with the drivers of their current rapid deployment, including decarbonization, electrification of heating, and market growth. A generalized periodization of research and practical implementation (pre-1990s; 1990–2010; 2010–2024) is applied, reflecting changes in scientific priorities and deployment scales. Heat pumps are classified according to their operating principle and the type of low-temperature heat source (air, ground, water, etc.), and the main application areas are systematized: residential and public buildings, industry and energy systems, and agriculture. Key scientific and technological achievements are summarized, including more than a twofold increase in the coefficient of performance (COP), advances in compressor and heat-exchanger technologies, the transition to natural and low-GWP refrigerants, and progress in automation and exergoeconomic analysis. Particular attention is paid to Uzbekistan, where barriers to large-scale HP deployment are analyzed and promising development pathways are proposed, such as hybrid “HP + gas boiler” systems, solar-assisted heat pump complexes, geothermal installations, and low-grade heat recovery projects. The generalizations obtained in this study can be used as a scientific and analytical basis for the strategic planning of the development of heat pump technologies in Uzbekistan.

Hali tarjima qilinmagan