Project description
A lab to test and predict the performance of heat pumps
The technology of residential heat pump devices is so energy efficient that it is considered the most likely replacement option for present fossil fuel-based heating systems. Despite the rapid development of the technology, several challenges remain. Notwithstanding the academic enthusiasm for residential heat pump technology, there is a lack of systematic analysis and quantification of their efficiency in a reproducible and unambiguous manner. There is a shortage of analytics covering the entire energy usage as well as a reliable long-term performance or prediction technique in various contexts. The EU-funded LAB2SHAPE project intends to establish a laboratory capable of independently assessing and certifying heat pump performance as well as predicting their performance over extended periods of time and in different environments.
Objective
In order to replace fossil fuel-based residential heating systems, heat pump technologies have matured rapidly. Although heat pumps are known to be an extremely efficient way of heating and cooling, there is at this time no consistent method for analysing and quantifying the efficiency of heat pumps in a reliable and reproducible way. In addition, existing analytical methods do not take into account the complete energetic performance of heat pumps, which e.g. includes heating, cooling, the production of hot water and defrosting cycles. Moreover, there is no reproducible and reliable method for making predictions regarding the energetic performance of heat pumps over a longer time and in different scenarios, such as changing climate conditions and in district heating applications. Peutz is a Dutch SME that specialises in advising clients on a wide range of topics in construction engineering, and it sees a clear business opportunity in setting up a laboratory that is able to independently measure and certify the performance of heat pumps. Moreover, it envisions that this lab will be able to reliably predict heat pump performance over a longer time and in different environments. In order to fully explore this business opportunity, understanding of general energy theory, in combination with software and hardware/electronics expertise is required. In addition, knowledge and expertise with respect to experimental data acquisition and processing is essential. Such very specialised expertise is currently not available within the company, and due to a high demand and very limited pool of candidates it has been impossible to attract this expertise in the Netherlands. The IA grant will increase Peutz’ international visibility and provide financial resources to find, attract and train a suitable candidate outside of the Netherlands. When successful, the IA will be able bring Peutz to a higher level by transforming the idea to a real innovation with great societal relevance.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
6584 AC Molenhoek
Netherlands
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.