A better heat pump

Europe has set ambitious goals for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings account for about 40 % of Europe's total energy consumption; hence, the European Commission requires that by 2020 all new buildings meet zero-energy targets.

Nevertheless, Europe is apparently unlikely to meet the overall 20 % reductions target, though the situation could change given certain new measures. A previous EU project (EFFIHEAT, 2011-2013) developed a cheaper and better-performing kind of geothermal heat pump, which was not commercialised.

A new EU-funded project, EFFIHEAT-DEMO (Demonstration of high efficiency Stirling heat pump), aims to complete full-scale validation and demonstration of the EFFIHEAT system. The latter project also plans to optimise the design in terms of reliability and manufacturability, and to prepare a business plan. The seven-member consortium will conclude after two years, in early 2016.

Reporting period one saw successful implementation of most EFFIHEAT recommendations. The team also set a baseline for demonstration, defined the demonstration and validation tools, and enabled assembly of optimised prototypes. Assembly is ongoing.

The project has made preparations for demonstration actions, scheduled to begin during reporting period two.

Other work has focused on ensuring customer acceptance. Following market analysis, the team developed a marketing framework and a business plan.

Project dissemination involves preparation of a comprehensive plan, attendance at certain fairs and events, plus scientific exchange with particular companies. The team also prepared a website.

The EFFIHEAT-DEMO project should yield a fully demonstrated and validated version of the heat pump technology created by EFFIHEAT. Widespread use of such units should help Europe achieve its emissions reduction targets.