Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - GasHeatPumpSaltX (Disrupting the European domestic space heating market with the lowest cost, energy-efficient Gas Heat Pump)

Teaser

Space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) make up 79% of the energy demand in European households. Though great strides have been made in decarbonising the heating sector with combined heat and power generated district heating, solar thermal and solar electric (PV) systems a...

Summary

Space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) make up 79% of the energy demand in European households. Though great strides have been made in decarbonising the heating sector with combined heat and power generated district heating, solar thermal and solar electric (PV) systems a large portion of heating still comes from decentralised boilers fuelled by natural gas. In order to reduce the deleterious effects of these highly proliferated appliances on the environment, whilst cost-effectively improving efficiency, gas heat pumps (GHP) are proposed. Existing gas boiler technology is reaching its efficiency limit therefore a step change in technology is needed towards more high efficiency technology. Experts forecast fast traction for GHPs in the domestic space heating appliance market over the next few years, mainly driven by more stringent regulations for energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions. This also goes together with underway power-to-gas strategies that seek to abate the challenges associated with full electrification of European heating systems. Power-to-gas would be employed to store excess renewable electricity in existing gas networks by producing hydrogen and/methane from electricity. New efficient, cost-effective, low emissions gas-driven appliances are thus required to close the loop in the race towards a low carbon energy system in the EU-27.

Initial studies performed show that the SaltX-GHP will result in significant savings on average natural gas costs, together with near-zero NOx, and reduced CO2 emissions. The solution would enable growth and sustainability of the gas heat pump market, the new and more efficient way to heat homes. The SaltX-GHP which focuses on both efficiency and cost-effectiveness; considering optimum capacity, robustness, flexibility and ease of installation, has the potential to change domestic space heating in Europe.

The goal of this H2020 project was to develop, showcase and commercialise a GHP for the European market together with EU based Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), addressing retrofit heating markets in providing DHW and space heating.

Work performed

One of the major goals for the first period of the project was to test and verify a first prototype GHP system (H2020-1) for the European SME market. The tests were successful, and the conclusions and lessons learned will be used in an upcoming improved design and as inputs to various areas of the project.

During the reporting period, SaltX has also engaged in several discussions and meetings with heat-pump manufacturers and boiler OEMs. OEMs from the industry reference group created by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) were invited for a session at Fraunhofer ISE that was held in the beginning of 2019. The session included demonstration of the SaltX-GHP prototype H2020-1, the SaltX technology, presentation of our new system design and initial negotiations regarding field trial orders, with the goal to secure the field demonstration of prototypes in the end of the project.

In the discussions with boiler OEMs valuable feedback regarding manufacturing, possible challenges and the market situation was received while OEM interest for the suggested product was assessed and potential future field trial orders discussed. The interest for the presented concept and prototypes has been positive from the manufacturers.

Starting the project, SaltX opted for further testing and evaluation of this first GHP prototype system, H2020-1. The prototype performance was evaluated by measuring gas utilisation efficiency (GUE) at different temperature levels of operation. During tests the prototype was also adapted and connected to a hot water store to gain additional performance data. The tests were carried out during M1-5 at Fraunhofer ISE facilities at the department of Heating and Cooling Technologies in accordance with best practices and recognised standard test procedures (European Standard EN12309).

During the reporting period, other test rigs for data acquisition and verification of subcomponents were also developed by subcontractors. Additionally, laboratory tests were carried out which lead to an increased knowledge about the sorption module which is the main driving component of the system. The purpose of these tests and test rigs was to allow for verification of the system components. Additionally, by gathering experimental data more detailed simulations and more in-depth dimensioning of the final pilot system can be achieved.

During the second reporting period, SaltX and its’ subcontractors within the project focused on realizing the advanced prototype defined during the previous period. This work included design optimization, dimensioning and definition of the system and subcomponents; resulting in the development of a fully fleshed out concept model of the new advanced prototype. Lastly, in depth work was performed developing and conceptualizing the control algorithms for the system based on the previous existing prototype. The new prototype design will allow for a large leap in the GHP-technology with regards to cost, power, robustness and flexibility of the system. During the period a patent was filed for the new design.

Final results

Currently, the first prototype has been manufactured and tested, the analysis of which has led to significant progress in the realisation of the project.

Based on extensive feedback from OEMs and manufacturing partners an improved system design has been designed and will be vetted ultimately by testing as an advanced prototype for field trials.

By the culmination of the project, it is expected that SaltX-GHP field trial appliances produced from a pilot production line will be evaluated. The new modular GHP appliance design for DHW and space heating allows for improved manufacturability, functionality and streamlined installation making the gap smaller between manufacturer, installer and end-user. The system offers a more compact incorporated design and eliminates many components compared to earlier designs; which in turn allows for reduced cost whilst enabling higher performance and increased overall robustness.

This project factors in the need for new heating technologies that are compatible with climate change mitigation efforts, customers’ financial desires as well as compatibility with the current energy system. Given the slow to change nature of the present heating systems and the appliance manufacturers involved, this project seeks to minimise the risk associated with developing and evaluating a new technology. The creation of a consortium of actors that are experts in their respective fields is the recipe for success of the project. This thus creates the opportunity for OEM partners to seamlessly integrate the SaltX-GHP into their present manufacturing line (under joint development agreements) creating a new and potentially quite lucrative product category. As more high efficiency products are proven to be viable and available for the current 7-million-unit-a year-European gas appliance market, both manufacturers and utilities can more adequately meet stringent emission standards without fear of economic repercussions. Improved job security, job creation and more affordable and sustainable heating appliance options would be the principal positive outcomes for society.

Website & more info

More info: http://saltxtechnology.com/.