Lowering energy need and improving indoor climate - A case study of rural dwellings in Gammalsvenskby, Ukraine

Abstract: A vast majority of rural dwellings in Ukraine are inefficient from an energy perspective, with a major need for energy-efficient renovations. A lot of these buildings are also having problems with the indoor climate, with poor ventilation combined with indoor combustion of fuel which can cause negative health effects. A large part of Ukrainian households is also suffering from energy poverty which makes it hard for them to improve their living standard. This study aims on finding energy-efficient renovation alternatives which are both affordable, lowers energy use, and improve the indoor climate and moisture-related issues. This was done by investigating different renovation alternatives and improvements for two case buildings, measures such as different PV module configurations, heat pumps, ventilation, and insulation through calculations and simulation tools. The result was then evaluated through life cycle cost analysis on different scenarios to calculate payback time and to find the most profitable alternative. With consideration taken to the uncertain situation in Ukraine, a parameter study on different economical parameters was also done to see how these affect the profitability when changed. The result showed that indoor moisture issues can be solved with a simple ventilation system in combination with façade insulation. Ventilation was included in all renovation combinations. Installing a heat pump and a large PV system was found to be the most profitable renovation measure if there is sold electricity to the grid. The study concludes that it is possible to do profitable renovations for both cases, but that the high initial cost might be problematic. The profitability of the PV system depends on whether there is any selling of electricity to the grid, which is uncertain with consideration taken to war. With no selling, a 3.9 kW system with a heat pump is the most profitable for the case one while it is better to exclude the PV systems completely and only have a heat pump in case two.