3.2 Heat Pump for a Number of Apartments

Heat distribution and temperatures levels

Heat pumps provide heat for only one mode for a section or several sections of the building. The temperature levels provided by the heat pumps are strictly connected to the mode (space heating or DHW). This solution doesn’t provide an integral heat solution for the whole building.  

Size of building, number of apartments

This solution is more suitable for average and especially for large buildings. In smaller buildings there is usually no need for grouping of apartments by mode. 

DHW and storage characteristic

DHW based on heat pump is provided only for a section of the building (group of apartments). Heat pump must meet high temperature requirements of the DHW. Storage tanks for DHW are needed.

Energy standard, insulation level 

This solution is rather suitable in refurbishment cases with lower energy standard. Not practicable for new buildings.

Complexity of installation

Using heat pumps for one mode only for a group of apartments reduce the complexity of each heat pump installation but increase the complexity of the entire heating and DHW system for the whole the building.

Heat Sources

All heat sources possible. Depending on the position of heat pumps, some heat sources may be very difficult to implement. For example, it may be difficult to connect ground collectors if the heat pump is not located on the ground floor. In some cases, use of outside air may be difficult due to the sound emissions or heat source capacity. For DHW ventilation exhaust may be used in some cases.

Specific issues of the concept

This solution allows partly retrofitting of the building. Need of additional heat generators (besides of heat pumps) to cover overall heat needs of the building.

Positive aspects

• Allows partial retrofitting
• Splitting of functions results in optimised efficiencies

Negative aspects

• Existing systems remain for other apartments