Heat recovery potential in Swedishfood retail stores

Sammanfattning

This thesis assessed the total national heat recovery (HR) potential fromCO₂-based refrigeration systems in Swedish food retail stores (FRS), classified into Discount Stores, Supermarkets, and Hypermarkets. A combined methodological approach was applied, including literature review, energy performance certificates, and simulation models using CyberMart and an Excel-based HR tool. Hourly thermal loads were estimated for different store sizes under Stockholm climate conditions, and HR potential was evaluated for internal use and external export. Results showed a total recoverable HR of approximately 1,8 TWh/year withan average COP of 4,5, of which 1,4 TWh/year could be considered excess and thus available for external heating applications. This corresponded to a 2% reduction in Sweden’s total building heating demand. The implementation of HR systems also yielded estimated annual savings of 680 million SEK and a reduction of 50 tons of CO₂ emissions when operated for maximum HR. Alternatively if the HR system operated to only supply the FRS own heating demands an annual savings of 120 million SEK and 7 tons CO2 emission reduction could be achieved. Discount Stores had the highest HR intensity per unit area, while Hypermarkets produced the largest absolute HRvolumes. The findings highlighted the underutilized potential of HR in Swedish FRSand underscored its economic and environmental benefits. Key limitationsincluded assumptions regarding store operation, equipment loads, and geographic homogeneity. Nonetheless, the study demonstrated that maximizing HR in retail refrigeration represents a viable strategy for reducing national heating demand and supporting Sweden’s climate goals.