Heat Pumps in the Spotlight: Review of the 2nd InES Heat Pump Forum

'Heat pump technology is a key to a climate-neutral future. Events like this promote dialogue between research and practice and accelerate the implementation of sustainable solutions,’ explained THI President Professor Walter Schober in his opening speech. He welcomed the participants with Professor Daniel Navarro Gevers from the Institute for New Energy Systems (InES).

In the morning, presentations on large and small heat pumps and practical reports took centre stage. Michael Moritz from the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne opened the presentations with an analysis of the cost efficiency of climate-neutral heating systems. Tim Hackl, Hoval GmbH, then presented hybrid refurbishment solutions for medium-sized companies. At the same time, Michael Westermaier, Ratiotherm GmbH & Co KG, presented a concept for residential neighborhoods that combines PVT systems and a two-stage heat pump system. Christian Henkel, Carrier Klimatechnik GmbH, shed light on the utilization of deep geothermal energy in district heating.

The afternoon was dedicated to the integration of heat pumps into electricity grids. Professor Navarro introduced the topic before Veronika Barta, Dr Simon Kreutmayr and Dr Christoph Steinhart provided further insights into technical solutions. Christian Mayer, and Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH, concluded with a presentation on the optimization of low-voltage grids using controllable local grid transformers.

In the concluding panel discussion, key challenges and opportunities of heat pump technology for the energy transition were discussed together with the audience.

Further information, presentation documents, and an impression video can be found at: https://www.w3-waermewende.de.