The Finnish capital will reduce its emissions byCO2 of 26,000 tonnes per year thanks to MAN heat pump technology. Mega heat pump to harness ambient air and renewable electricity to produce heat MAN Energy Solutions to deliver 33 MW air-water heat pump, the world’s largest ever used for a district heating installation .
Finnish energy company Helen Oy commissioned MAN Energy Solutions to supply an air-water heat pump for its heating complex in Patola, Helsinki. The new heating plant, which includes the industrial-sized heat pump and two 50 MW electric boilers, is expected to reduce emissions byCO2 of 56,000 tonnes in total.
The air-water heat pump will be the largest in the world, with a total heat generation capacity ranging from 20 to 33 MW, depending on air temperature. The unit can operate in outdoor temperatures down to -20°C, using theCO2 as a natural refrigerant in a closed circuit system.
Powered by electricity from renewable energy sources, the heat pump will use ambient air as a source of thermal energy to increase the water temperature and meet the needs of the district heating network. Each year, it will provide around 200 GWh of heat to around 30,000 households in Helsinki, reducing carbon emissions.CO2 of 26,000 tonnes.
Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions, said: “ We are very proud to support Helen in her efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in Helsinki. Our heat pump technology provides an economically competitive and efficient way to harness climate-neutral heat from ambient air, even at cold temperatures of -20°C. District heating projects using climate-neutral technologies are key to advancing global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We are excited to see our heat pump solution play a key role in advancing the energy transition “.
Juhani Aaltonen, Helen’s Vice President for Green Investments, said: “ Helsinki has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and the transition of our heating system is crucial to achieving this. Once completed, the heat pump plant will significantly reduce carbon emissions.CO2 from heating, which will bring us closer to our goal of net zero emissions. In addition, the new plant should help stabilize prices for customers, as its power is easily adjustable “.
The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment awarded Helen an energy subsidy for the large-scale installation of the heat pump, in recognition of the technology’s significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.CO2. The plant is expected to begin production in the 2026-2027 heating season.
The basic principle of heat pump technology is to use electrical energy to raise low-temperature thermal energy to a higher, usable level. The MAN solution is distinguished by the use of CO2 as a refrigerant for the entire system cycle, which is toxicologically and environmentally safe, allowing heat to be provided at temperatures up to 90 °C. In addition, the solution enables grid power to be quickly balanced, supporting the integration of intermittent power generation, such as solar and wind power.
The heart of Patola’s heat pump system is a hermetic, oil-free HOFIM® motor compressor, which will be manufactured and tested by MAN Energy Solutions in Zurich, Switzerland. The compressor unit uses a high-speed motor and active magnetic bearings, allowing it to operate without the need for a dry gas seal or the entire oil system.
Via www.man-es.com