Heat Pump, 2000l Storage Tank and Thermal Panels

A combination of different heating and cooling methods significantly lowered the running costs for this 1960s Milanese building.

Located in the centre of Milan, the 1960s building consists of 36 flats covering a total of 4500 m2. The air-conditioning system was based on two old boilers for heating and domestic hot water respectively, a chiller for cooling and distribution with radiators and fancoils.

Challenge:

In 2023 the condominium assembly decides to proceed with the energy requalification in order to reduce running costs, by intervening on the existing air-conditioning system.

The most important cost item to work on is that for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) production.

The solution chosen to cut down the cost for domestic hot water production is a system based on 1 high-efficiency heat pump with inverter technology and ecological refrigerant R32 Sheen EVO 2.0 combined with a 2000 litre storage tank and thermal solar panels, plus a condensing boiler that acts as a back-up during peak demand.

Lessons learned
The heat pump system combined with storage tank and thermal solar panels has proved to be an excellent solution for improving the building’s energy efficiency and cut down the costs for domestic hot water production.

Key facts

BuildingHeat Pump and Source
LocationMilan, ItalyNumber of HP1
Construction1960Installed power93 kW
Refurbishment2024Operation modehybrid
Heat distributionradiators, fancoilsHeat sourceambient air
Heated area4500 m²Type of systemCentral
No. of apartments36ModelSheen EVO 2.0 heat pumps
level of insulation
Heating sytemDomestic Hot Water
Heat demand– kWh / (m²a)DHW demand– kWh / (m²a)
Heating
temperature
-°CMax. temperature70°C
ViaGas boiler
2 x 195kW
Circulation system
Typecentralized system
Additional heatingST panels
back-up boiler
Other information
PV installedyesCOP
Climate ZoneCfaRefrigerantR32

Description of the technical concept

The central heat pump is sourced by ambient air and is turn connected to a 2000l storage unit. This storage unit is also connected to solar panels on the roof and – as a back-up – can be fed by a gas boiler (200kW). It distributes DHW to the 36 apartments in the building. Space Heating is provided by another gas boiler via heat exchangers.

Cooling is also possible through means of ambient air, a chiller and  a storage unit.

IT009 Via Baldissera