The national project of Austria at the Institute of Thermal Engineering of the Graz University of Technology is dedicated to the development of an integrated heat pump for the low-capacity range of 3-5 kW, adapted to the heating needs of low energy houses. The development comprises an evaluation of the refrigerant cycle with different refrigerants, among others CO2, which will deliver the best refrigerant choice for the low capacity application. Another boundary condition for the choice of the system is the availability of components on the market.< Moreover, different system configurations will be analysed by system simulations with TRNSYS, yielding an optimal system configuration for a multifunctional unit incorporating the space heating, domestic hot water and the space cooling operation. Afterwards, a prototype of the most favourable layout will be constructed and tested in the laboratory. A field test in real application is not intended within this project.
In the beginning of 2008, arsenal research joined the national team of Austria. The activities will be focused on a field monitoring including 10 combined operating heat pump systems (space heating and DHW preparation). Additionally, one compact ventilation unit for heating, cooling and DHW preparation will be monitored.
Activities are supported by the Austrian heat pump associations LGWA and BWP concerning the market survey and the heat pump statistics.