Development of Next Generation Large Scale Heat Pump Systems (NEXTHEPS)

In this research project, the properties and characteristics of different refrigerants and their applicability for high-temperature heat pumps are investigated. Design and losses of heat pump cycles, heat exchangers as well as heat collection methods will be investigated. In addition, the design and losses of efficient heat pump compressor units based on high-speed technology will be investigated. These investigations will cover the compressor aerodynamic design, electric motor design, magnetic bearing design and rotor dynamics. The effective integration and operation characteristics of high-temperature heat pumps as part of larger energy systems, such as district heating networks or producing process steam, will be investigated and analyzed.

Project goals

The goals of the project are to develop analysis and design methods, as well as to find new technological solutions for high-temperature heat pump systems. Industrial scale high-temperature heat pumps could replace heating systems based on combustion and using fossil fuels for example in district heating networks and in producing process steam in various industrial sectors in the future. The heat collection from air is also investigated as it is a low-cost heat source that is widely available. The goal of the project is also to strengthen the competitiveness and market share of Finnish heat pump industry in fast growing global heat pump markets.

Past events

High Temperature Heat Pump-Seminar 10.4-11.4.2025 at Lappeenranta

Seminar presentations:

• NEXTHEPS-research project and IEA heat pump Annex (Antti Uusitalo/Tero Tynjälä, LUT)
• Heat pump market overview (Jussi Hirvonen, SULPU)
• High speed electric machine development for heat pumps: The Switch project summary (Jonna Tiainen, The Switch)
• Optimized Air Heat Collectors for Frosted Conditions (Valtteri Mikkola, Fincoil LU-VE)
• Large-scale heat pump projects and development at Suomen Tekojää (Jerry Mansikkaviita, Suomen Tekojää)
• Vahterus heat exchangers for heat pumps (Valtteri Haavisto, Vahterus)
• EX-risk Mitigation Approach for Propane Heat Collectors (Kari Jääskeläinen, Fincoil LU-VE)
• Heat exchanger design for large scale heat pumps (Jussi Saari, LUT)
• Multidisciplinary Design Approach for Electrically Driven Turbo Compressors (Juuso Narsakka, LUT)
• The role of large-scale heat pumps in the future Finnish energy system – Energy system analysis (Jaakko Hyypiä, LUT)
• Computational fluid dynamics analysis of air heat collectors (Seyedehsan Rafiee, LUT)
• Small-scale hybrid district heating network: electrification and feasibility study (Eero Inkeri, LUT)
• Technology Commercialisation: An Educational Case-Based Workshop for Engineering-Business Collaboration (Anna Sidorenko, LUT)

High temperature heat pump seminar 16.11.2023 at Lahti: