Helsingin kaupungin asunnot (Heka) is seeking new low-carbon construction and housing solutions through an innovation programme. Auris has been selected with a patented connection that allows heat pumps to be installed optimally alongside district heating in buildings connected to the network.
The innovation programme starts on 25 January. Selected companies will receive coaching, and their solutions will be piloted at Heka properties or in a living laboratory.
Auris’s invention enables efficient heat pump connections in district-heated buildings
Auris is taking part with a patented connection developed together with Lämpösäätö Oy . The connection allows buildings connected to district heating to be fitted with heat pumps without affecting the district heating return-water temperature.
The district heating return-water temperature has traditionally been a problem that could prevent heat pumps from being introduced into district-heated buildings. When connected directly to the return side of the heating network, the district heating return-water temperature rises, reducing system efficiency. In some cases, this has led district heating companies to restrict heat pump connections in district-heated properties.
Another issue with air-to-water heat pumps is that, under certain outdoor temperature and humidity conditions, frost forms on the outdoor unit and it needs defrosting.
Auris’s hybrid connection solves both problems at once. It ensures that the heating network’s return water is not heated, so heat pump output in the system does not need to be restricted and the district heating return-water temperature does not rise. The connection also enables district heating energy to be used efficiently to defrost the heat pump’s outdoor unit. This means the heat pump can quickly return to heating after a defrost cycle.
What is the innovation programme about?
Heka is Finland’s largest landlord, with more than 50,000 homes housing over 90,000 people. This innovation programme is one of Heka’s sustainability projects promoting the transition to a low-carbon society and housing. The programme aims to adapt new, innovative solutions to the operations of a major public housing provider. Alongside Heka, Gaia Consulting and KIRAHub are involved.
The programme received 37 applications from across the EU, and nine companies were selected. Most of the selected solutions concern energy management, including optimising heating, ventilation and indoor air. In addition to Auris, the selected companies are Ecopal Oy, Energio, EG EnerKey, Finninvent, Kapacity.io, Lumoview Building Analytics GmbH, Simap Oy OptiControl and Oy Teknocalor Ab.
Read more about the innovation programme.
Further information about the innovation:
Perttu Lahtinen
CEO, Auris Energiaratkaisut
perttu.lahtinen@aurisenergiaratkaisut.fi, 040 771 8908