Municipal energy supplier aimed to modernize its existing energy center and significantly increase the share of renewable heat. At the same time, CO₂ emissions were to be reduced, the efficiency of heat generation increased, and the long-term economic viability of the plant improved without compromising the security of supply of the district heating network.
As part of the modernization, the existing 2 MW combined heat and power (CHP) unit was replaced with a new, highly efficient unit and supplemented with two Oilon heat pumps. The unique aspect of this concept is the exceptional flexibility of the heat pump system.
The heat pumps can be operated both in conjunction with the CHP unit and independently. Depending on the operating mode, they utilize different heat sources:
• Waste heat from the CHP unit’s engine exhaust
• Recovered space heat from the energy center
• Ambient air in stand-alone operation
The intelligent switching between heat sources ensures the optimal energy and economic operating mode at all times.
The result: The combination of the CHP unit and Oilon heat pumps significantly increases the overall efficiency of the energy center.
Achieved Benefits:
• Increased overall efficiency from approximately 50% to up to 70%
• Total thermal output of 3.17 MW in combined operation
• Flexible use of multiple heat sources for maximum operational reliability
• Year-round operation – heat pumps can be used even without a CHP unit
• District heating supply with flow temperatures of 75 to 90 °C
• Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions and increased share of renewable heat
• Additional cost-effectiveness through electricity price-optimized operation on the spot market
The modernized energy center generates up to 12 GWh of heat annually for the municipal utility’s district heating network.
Project at a Glance
Operator: Municipal Utilities
Heat Pumps: 2 × Oilon
CHP Output: 2 MW electrical / 2.3 MW thermal
Total Thermal Output: 3.17 MW
COP of the Heat Pump System: 2.66
Special Feature: Switchable heat sources and flexible operation of the heat pumps – both in combination with the CHP unit and in stand-alone operation.
Result: Greater efficiency. Lower CO₂ emissions. Increased cost-effectiveness.