One of the major goals for the first period of the project was to test and verify a first prototype GHP system (H2020-1) for the European SME market. The tests were successful, and the conclusions and lessons learned will be used in an upcoming improved design and as inputs to various areas of the project.
During the reporting period, SaltX has also engaged in several discussions and meetings with heat-pump manufacturers and boiler OEMs. OEMs from the industry reference group created by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) were invited for a session at Fraunhofer ISE that was held in the beginning of 2019. The session included demonstration of the SaltX-GHP prototype H2020-1, the SaltX technology, presentation of our new system design and initial negotiations regarding field trial orders, with the goal to secure the field demonstration of prototypes in the end of the project.
In the discussions with boiler OEMs valuable feedback regarding manufacturing, possible challenges and the market situation was received while OEM interest for the suggested product was assessed and potential future field trial orders discussed. The interest for the presented concept and prototypes has been positive from the manufacturers.
Starting the project, SaltX opted for further testing and evaluation of this first GHP prototype system, H2020-1. The prototype performance was evaluated by measuring gas utilisation efficiency (GUE) at different temperature levels of operation. During tests the prototype was also adapted and connected to a hot water store to gain additional performance data. The tests were carried out during M1-5 at Fraunhofer ISE facilities at the department of Heating and Cooling Technologies in accordance with best practices and recognised standard test procedures (European Standard EN12309).
During the reporting period, other test rigs for data acquisition and verification of subcomponents were also developed by subcontractors. Additionally, laboratory tests were carried out which lead to an increased knowledge about the sorption module which is the main driving component of the system. The purpose of these tests and test rigs was to allow for verification of the system components. Additionally, by gathering experimental data more detailed simulations and more in-depth dimensioning of the final pilot system can be achieved.
During the second reporting period, SaltX and its’ subcontractors within the project focused on realizing the advanced prototype defined during the previous period. This work included design optimization, dimensioning and definition of the system and subcomponents; resulting in the development of a fully fleshed out concept model of the new advanced prototype. Lastly, in depth work was performed developing and conceptualizing the control algorithms for the system based on the previous existing prototype. The new prototype design will allow for a large leap in the GHP-technology with regards to cost, power, robustness and flexibility of the system. During the period a patent was filed for the new design.
