4.2 Heat Pump for an Individual Apartment

Heat distribution and temperatures levels

Because of separate provision of heating and DHW, the temperature levels may be adjusted for each mode. The heat distribution is limited to each apartment, resulting short piping and low heat losses.

Size of building, number of apartments

The size of the building is not particularly relevant for this solution. More the ownership of each apartment and the difficulty to find a common agreement among the owners of apartments. In some cases, it may by a first step towards exclusive use of renewable energy.  

DHW and storage characteristic

DHW is realised with heat pumps only in selected apartments. In other ones, additional solution must be applied. The size of DHW storages may by reduced. Possibility to adjust of DHW temperature for individual needs of the inhabitants.

Energy standard, insulation level 

This solution is rather suitable in refurbishment cases. In new buildings with higher energy standards more systemic solutions are advisable.

Complexity of installation

The effort of refurbishment of heat generators may be reduced to single apartments. No need for works for the whole building at once. No heat distribution system throughout the building is needed. Nevertheless, enough space is required in each apartment for the installation of the heat pump.

Heat Sources

Outside air is the most probable heat source for the heat pumps solution for each apartment. Exhaust air can be used for specific types of application.

Specific issues of the concept

No heat distribution system throughout the whole building is needed, since heat pumps are installed in individual apartments. Space for the heat pumps required in each apartment. Very flexible solution. Need of other heat generators to cover overall heat needs of the building. May be noisy.

Positive aspects

• Flexible solution, especially in case of individual ownership
• No distribution losses
• Splitting of functions can result in optimised efficiencies

Negative aspects

• Distribution of source energy through the building
• Decentral noise of outside-air units
• Space requirement in each apartment