The purpose is to identify areas of research, establish parameters, and perform and report on research related to the application of advanced heat pump technology.
The transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly heating solutions depends heavily on developing heat pump systems that can operate efficiently in low-temperature environments.
Currently, most commercial heat pumps experience substantial performance loss below –20 °C, making them unreliable for cold and humid regions. This limitation poses a significant challenge for residential heating in cold climate zones.
To address this issue, it is crucial to advance both air-to-air and air-to-water heat pump technologies capable of functioning effectively under extreme conditions.
Participants
More about the project
Unlocking the potential for heat pumps to perform well at low temperatures can provide millions of residents in Nordic and other cold regions with a sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable heating option.
Environmental and health risks
Moreover, the continued dependence on high-emission heating systems in cold climates not only increases greenhouse gas emissions but also threatens public health. Shifting away from these carbon-intensive methods has therefore become an urgent necessity.
Why heat pumps?
Heat pumps offer a promising solution by transferring heat from the outdoor environment to indoor spaces using electricity rather than burning fossil fuels.
As electricity grids increasingly adopt renewable sources—such as solar, wind, and hydropower—the environmental benefits of electrification grow even stronger.
Energy efficiency and emission cuts
Efficient low-temperature heating and high-temperature cooling systems further enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a more renewable energy landscape.
Thus, replacing traditional fossil-fuel heating with electric systems powered by heat pumps is key to reducing emissions and supporting a more sustainable future.
Research focus on cold climate regions
Given the urgent need for high-performance low-temperature heat pumps, this research focuses on addressing the challenges faced by cold climate regions.
The study will investigate the performance and reliability of advanced heat pumps using R32 and R290 refrigerants under extreme cold conditions.
Testing will be carried out in a controlled and rigorous environment to evaluate real-world performance.
Will push state-of-the-art heat pumps forward
Ultimately, this research aims to advance low-temperature heat pump technology as a sustainable and energy-efficient heating solution.
Through detailed performance testing and data analysis, the study seeks to generate valuable insights that can push the state-of-the-art forward in heat pumps using R32 and R290.
Potential environmental impact
The knowledge gained has the potential to transform heating practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support a cleaner, more sustainable future for communities in cold climate regions.
By pursuing these objectives, this research aspires to make a meaningful contribution to the field and accelerate the shift toward environmentally responsible heating systems.
Partner institutions
- Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
- LG Electronics
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
