Investigating the interaction between the introduction of the hybrid heat pump and micro CHP

Abstract

Technological Innovation system (TIS) analyses are frequently used to describe technological change. By using a framework that focuses on the most important processes that need to take place in technological development and diffusion, the successfulness of an implementation process can be analyzed. But up till now, this framework saw competitive technologies as part of the environment, instead of including them in the analysis. This research builds upon one empirical case study, comparing the technological innovation systems of the hybrid heat pump and micro combined heat and power, to test whether any interaction patterns can be indicated between the implementation processes of two competing technologies. We will give a TIS analysis of both technologies, and execute a cross-case analysis to highlight the interaction patterns between them. The results identified some clear interactions showing that a competitive technology does influence the fulfilment of the system functions in the implementation process.