Danfoss_FW

The need to decarbonise the heating sector has accelerated the use of heat pumps in blocks of flats. In these communal systems, the in-home unit acts as a critical interface; however, its conventional design can reduce the efficiency of the entire system (annual performance factor, APF). Danfoss is addressing this challenge by developing a digitalised in-home unit. The aim of the ‘Danfoss FW’ project is to empirically quantify the performance of this innovative component in order to demonstrate its benefits in terms of optimising heat pump operation. The study focuses on the systematic measurement of two key performance indicators under controlled laboratory conditions. Firstly, the 24-hour standby loss during idle operation at typical heat pump temperatures is determined. Minimising this loss is crucial for reducing unnecessary heat generation and lowering the thermal load on the primary network. Secondly, the system’s response speed during simulated domestic hot water draw-off is analysed. Rapid and precise control is necessary to improve thermal dynamics and avoid critical cycling of the heat pump, which extends its service life and increases the system’s overall seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP). The highly precise data obtained serves as a basis for validating the performance benefits of the digitalised Danfoss Station. They enable the optimised design of future-proof communal heat pump systems and thus make a direct, quantifiable contribution to increasing energy efficiency and sustainability in modern residential construction.