Outcome from HPT TCP National Experts meeting: Proposals of new innovative international collaboration projects on heat pumping technologies
On 26th October 2023, about 30 experts worldwide were brought together during a dynamic workshop to ideate groundbreaking collaborations on heat pumping technologies in line with the Strategic Work Plan for HPT TCP.
Attendees converged the day after the European Heat Pump Summit in Nuremberg, setting the stage for forward-thinking proposals. The meeting was organized by the Heat Pump Centre, which is the programme office and communication centre for the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) by IEA. Dr. Caroline Haglund Stignor, representing the Heat Pump Centre, warmly welcomed the attendees and provided an insightful overview of the HPT TCP’s Strategic Work Plan for the period 2023-2028.
Dr Veronika Wilk then commenced the presentations, spotlighting digital services for heat pumps. This pioneering concept sparked the first collaborative idea on merging sustainability and technology. Further thought-provoking talks encompassed flexibility, sector coupling and high-temperature applications by Jakob Thomsen, components enhancement by Viktor Ölen, optimal design of heat pumps for broader user acceptance by Jonas Klingebiel and alternative refrigeration approaches by Professor Reinhard Radermarcher.
Following the presentations, participants split into groups, delving into five key themes – flexibility and sector coupling, optimized components, high-temperature capabilities, advanced technologies, and user acceptance. After lively discussions, each group proposed international projects for their respective areas.
The flexibility and sector coupling group advocated for integrating heat pumps with photovoltaics, electric vehicles, and thermal and/or electric storage. By unifying these technologies into a single energy vector, the project aims to enable groundbreaking flexibility and system-level efficiency, enabling sector coupling.
For optimized components, the unanimous focus was enhancing and minimizing heat pump materials and components for improved resource and energy efficiency and safer performance. By concentrating efforts on compressors, heat exchangers, and refrigerants, this strategic collaboration promises improved resource efficiency and mitigation of climate change.
On high-temperature capabilities, the experts advocated integrated process solutions of high-temperature heat pumps, including simultaneous heating and cooling, waste heat utilization, and pinch analysis techniques. This promises substantial improvements in industrial energy efficiency.
The need for sustained efforts on transformative alternatives to vapor-compression also gained traction. By strengthening global research partnerships, the goal is to bring next-generation solutions to fruition.
Finally, optimal design and control strategies for broader user acceptance were proposed. By addressing key pain points collaboratively, the aim is to simplify and streamline residential heat pump adoption worldwide.
Following concluding discussions and voting, the most promising project ideas will now be developed into full proposals, promising trailblazing international cooperation to advance heat pumping technologies globally. The workshop concluded with a quick update on the status of Annex 65 Heat Pumps for Circular Economy. This new project will officially start soon and is open for more participants.