Heat Pumps – A Key Technology for the Energy Transition

For many years, heat pumps were primarily regarded as a solution for heating new single-family homes. Meanwhile it has become clear that the application possibilities are much more numerous: Heat pumps are available on the market with capacities in the double-digit megawatt range. They can efficiently and reliably provide heat and cold to new and old buildings, modernized buildings, single and multi-family homes, non-residential buildings and even entire urban quarters. High-temperature heat pumps supplying temperatures up to 160°C are already being used in industrial processes. The defossilization and electrification of the heat supply through heat pumps not only enables a more efficient use of renewable energy sources but also makes electricity consumption more flexible and thus stabilizes the power grids. 

The significant role of heat pumps in the energy transformation, however, creates challenges for equipment manufacturers: Heat pumps shall become the standard solution in many fields of applications, requiring that new methods, components and products be developed, integrated and established. Rapid market growth mandates efficient, cost-effective production methods in order to remain competitive. Further optimizations are also necessary in order to simplify installation for different applications and to increase the operating efficiency.