Heat pumps

Heat pump system delivers high performance under real operating conditions

23. March 2021
Heat pump system delivers high performance under real operating conditions

OUR IMPACT

A 1.2 MW air-to-water heat pump system has been commissioned at Saltum Fjernvarme in Denmark following a successful test phase. The system met all technical requirements and achieved a high coefficient of performance (COP) under real operating conditions.

Designed as a turnkey solution, the system is tailored to the specific needs of the local district heating network. It uses ambient air as a heat source and converts electricity into heat, supporting a shift away from natural gas.

With an annual production of around 8,000 MWh, the plant is capable of covering approximately 80% of the local heat demand. This makes it a central component in the utility’s supply strategy and reduces exposure to fuel price volatility.

A key focus of the design is operational efficiency. The system delivers a stable performance even at low outdoor temperatures, with an average annual COP above three when accounting for system losses.

Beyond heat production, the installation also enables sector coupling. By converting renewable electricity into heat, the system supports the integration of wind power into district heating and improves overall system flexibility.

The project demonstrates how well-designed heat pump systems can deliver reliable performance from day one—provided that engineering, integration and commissioning are aligned.

WHY IT MATTERS

Performance in real operation is critical for utilities.
This project shows that high-efficiency heat pumps can cover a large share of demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

 

This article was originally published under Aalborg CSP and has been editorially adapted for aalborg hc systems.

WHAT WE DID

Proven at scale,
delivered worldwide

All projects
8.260 m² PTES lid solution
Dronninglund (DK)

8.260 m² PTES lid solution

1.5 MW wastewater heat pump
Stenløse (DK)

1.5 MW wastewater heat pump

10.2 MW air-to-water heat pump
Halsskov (DK)

10.2 MW air-to-water heat pump

10 MW air-to-water heat pump
Slagelse (DK)

10 MW air-to-water heat pump

18 MW geothermal heat pump station
Skejby, Aarhus (DK)

18 MW geothermal heat pump station

1 MW biomass heat pump
Solrød (DK)

1 MW biomass heat pump

1.2 MW CO₂ heat pump
Solrød / Havdrup (DK)

1.2 MW CO₂ heat pump

2.5 MW wastewater heat pump
Frederikssund (DK)

2.5 MW wastewater heat pump

11,000 m² PTES lid solution
Høje Taastrup (DK)

11,000 m² PTES lid solution

2.5 MW heat pump system
Ørum (DK)

2.5 MW heat pump system

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ANY QUESTIONS?

FAQ

What does aalborg hc systems deliver?

aalborg hc systems designs and delivers integrated heating and cooling systems in new and existing networks.

This includes:

  • large-scale heat pumps
  • thermal energy storage (TES and PTES)
  • integration of multiple heat sources

The focus is on complete system solutions, not standalone technologies.

Can you integrate into existing district heating plants?

Yes. Most projects involve integration into existing infrastructure. aalborg hc systems connects new technologies to:

  • existing networks
  • boilers and CHP units
  • available heat sources

The result is a coordinated system upgrade, not a replacement of existing assets.

Do you act as EPC contractor?

Yes. aalborg hc systems delivers projects on an EPC basis.

This covers:

  • engineering and system design
  • procurement and supplier coordination
  • construction and commissioning

The responsibility remains with one party from concept to operation.

Which heat sources can you integrate?

aalborg hc systems integrates multiple heat sources within one system, including:

  • wastewater
  • geothermal energy
  • ambient air
  • industrial excess heat

Solutions are designed as source-agnostic systems, optimised for local conditions.

What do you need to get started?

A project can start with a limited set of data:

  • heat demand profile (load curve)
  • supply and return temperatures

Based on this, aalborg hc systems defines a first system concept and integration approach.