Mannheim-Neckarau, Germany
In the large-scale power plant Mannheim about 1,6 TWh heat are generated
each year and distributed through a nearly 600 km long network around the
city. The heat is provided by the burning of hard coal in 4 power plant blocks.
Additionally, the heat is stored in a storage with a thermal capacity of 250
MWth. The network reaches supply temperatures up to 130°C and provides for
about 60 % of Mannheim’s households.
The newly installed heat pump is a first step towards climate neutrality. The
river heat pump uses about 5°C warm water from river Rhein to provide district
heating water up to a temperature of 99°C. The LHP has a nominal thermal
power output of 20,5 MWth, uses a two-stage compressor with a flash tank and
operates with the refrigerant R-1234ze(E).
In the Real-World Laboratory the integration of the LHP in den district heating
network and the optimal application regarding grid friendliness and economic
efficiency is being investigated.