Simulation optimization and economic analysis of thermal storage tanks for rural residence electric heating systems in northern severe cold zone

To maximize the benefits of time-of-use electricity pricing, this study conducts TRNSYS simulations on electric boiler thermal storage heating systems under different thermal storage tank volumes for typical residential buildings in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. Comparative analysis of comprehensive economic indicators including initial investment and annual operating costs identifies the optimal thermal storage tank volumes. The results show that for 60 m2, 96 m2, and 120 m2rural residences in northern severe cold zone, the optimal tank volumes are 1.0 m3, 2.0 m3, and 2.5 m3, respectively, demonstrating the shortest simple payback periods. For the buildings exceeding 96 m2, a configuration of approximately 0.021 m3thermal storage tank volume per square meter of floor area is recommended. These findings provide valuable references for the optimized design of electric boiler thermal storage heating systems in severe cold zone.