An increasing demand from industry for technology that delivers higher temperatures as well as a general development and testing of components used for industrial heat pumps which can help the industry with the electrification of their processes - and thus help them become independent of gas, are some of the primary reasons why Danish Technological Institute has rebuilt their laboratory in Aarhus, Denmark, and expanded with new test facilities for XXL refrigeration and heat pump systems.
Testing and natural refrigerants
The Refrigeration and Heat Pump Laboratory at Danish Technological Institute is equipped with some of the most advanced test facilities in the world and comprises among other things specially designed climate chambers. For many years, the laboratory has performed various tests and measurements of plants and components – and now large plants are added.
The new test facilities are equipped with an ammonia system, a transcritical CO2-system, and a R134a test rig, which handles different types of large products and components, as well as mixing circuits with water and glycol. The laboratory also includes a test rig for high-temperature heat pumps delivering temperatures up to 180 °C.
Plug’n’Test
The new test facilities are specially equipped to perform a variety of tests, e.g., FAT-test (factory acceptance test) as well as sound power tests and vibration tests, which makes it possible to test plants and components before they are put on the market and out to the end users. The tests help to provide an overview of energy consumption, efficiency, and performance as well as show optimization possibilities and potential energy savings.
The laboratory is based on a Plug’n’test concept which reduces the preparation time significantly and testing of the plants is quickly initiated. Thus, plants reach the end users much faster.
Besides testing, the cooperation between the laboratory and Danish and international companies often involves the development of their products and components or optimization of their plants and systems as well.
Official inauguration – see the test facilities up close
The inauguration of the test facilities takes place on 28 June 2023, and you will hear speeches from Juan Farré, CEO, Danish Technological Institute, Claus Meineche, Secretariat Director, EUDP, and Claus Schøn Poulsen, Director, Danish Technological Institute.
After the inauguration, you can explore the test facilities and find out more about them and which role they play in various research and development activities. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about these four projects - SuPrHeat, InterHeat, FORCO2 and Smart CO2 Heat Pump – and their current activities.
