Small decentralized power generation units (DG) are politically promoted because of their potential to reduce GHG‐emissions and the existing dependency on fossil fuels. A long term goal of this promotion should be the creation of a level playing field for DG and conventional power generation....

Residential heat pumps are one of the most resource-efficient means for space heating. Their market shares are prospected to rise substantially within the next decades. By installing a thermal energy storage, the operation of heat pumps is - to a certain extent - decoupled from heat demand. Such...

The ongoing transformation process towards a low or even zero emission energy system is facing a steadily increasing complexity, notably through variable renewable energies and sector coupling. At the same time, the necessity for long-term decisions associated with high capital costs...