June 1 marked a year since residents of a 32-unit block of flats in Ursuline began using a new heating system based on a cascade of heat pumps instead of a coal-fired boiler room. This change allowed them to reduce annual heating costs by approx. 66 percent and to finance the entire investment, which has already paid for itself. In implementing it, the community took advantage of the RES Grant program , which allows them to receive reimbursement for half of their expenses.
The expert suggests that the period between heating seasons is the perfect time to make a beneficial change in heating.
In Urszulin, the investment paid off in less than a year
In the end, in the first year, the total cost of operating the system was minimally higher than the original 58 thousand zlotys (the amount includes electricity to provide central heating and hot water, as well as the cost of servicing the equipment). Their increase was due to an exceptionally cold May and a longer heating period (energy use was 49.5 thousand kWh instead of the anticipated 47 thousand kWh). Six monobloc HPA-O 13 Premium air-to-water heat pumps from Stiebel Eltron were installed in Ursuline, which provided the apartments with a set temperature of about 24 deg. C.
As a representative of the Ursuline community comments, when the investment was planned on the part of the residents there were questions about the efficiency of heating with heat pumps in winter or potential noise. The efficient operation of the cascade - reduced bills and basically inaudible equipment - confirmed the rationale for choosing this technology.
When it comes to individual savings, for example, in one apartment the costs of heating and hot water were reduced from the level of PLN 10 thousand, to PLN 2.4 thousand per year. The block in Urszulin was visited by representatives of communities from Chelm, Krasnik and Krasnystaw, who wanted to see how the new heating system works.
Residents of the Urszulin community have had comfort throughout the winter, both heating and hot water supply. There were weeks in the past months when temperatures fell well below zero, which in no way affected the functioning of the heating system. Good quality heat pumps also work effectively at low temperatures. When planning a purchase, it is worth checking the manufacturer's declared COP for negative temperatures. The higher its values, the more efficient the device is
- points out Adam Korpalski, from Stiebel Eltron.
The investment outlay in Urszulin, which includes the installation of heat pumps and a heat substation, is approx. 310 thousand PLN net. Half of the amount was covered by a grant from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego under the RES Grant program. The investor had to fully cover VAT, the amount of which, at an 8% rate, was about PLN 24 thousand. Real expenses of the community members in Ursuline are approx. 180 thousand zlotys (including VAT).
With an unchanged heating system, the costs of central heating and hot water, resulting from the rates of the previous supplier, would be more than 274 thousand zlotys.
Residents have been able to enjoy the savings for a couple of weeks, as the costs they had to incur have already paid off. The period between heating seasons is the best time to modify the heating system, so if someone is thinking about a similar investment it is worth contacting an advisor who will help plan it
- adds Adam Korpalski of Stiebel Eltron, a manufacturer of heating and ventilation technologies.
RES Grant - support for owners and managers of multi-family buildings
The RES Grant program is intended for owners or managers of multi-family buildings planning investments in renewable energy sources. Support - up to 50% of the eligible net cost of the investment - can be obtained for the purchase and installation of heat pumps, as well as associated equipment such as energy storage. In the case of upgrading an existing RES installation, there is a requirement to increase its capacity after completion by a minimum of 25 percent. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, and the amount of the subsidy is determined on the basis of net invoices submitted. The funds are paid in the form of refinancing upon completion and payment of the investment.
The government's strategy for district heating includes electrification and the use of heat pumps
In mid-May, the Ministry of Climate and Environment published the submissions ofthe "Strategy for the transformation of the district heating sector until 2040 ." which assumes its electrification. The heating sector in Poland accounts for about one-third of primary energy consumption and 20 percent of CO₂ emissions. The ministry's plan calls for a transition to zero-emission technologies, including the use of heat pumps, solar collectors and electrode boilers. The role of heat storage as an element to stabilize systems and store excess energy was also emphasized.
In presenting the assumptions, it was emphasized that RES-based systems are more resistant to price fluctuations, which translates into greater cost predictability for consumers. Better management of energy consumption and the development of local heat sources increase the country's energy independence and the security of residents.
As many examples show, heat pumps work well for multi-residential, public and industrial facilities. This is a technology that can be used universally, and the size and function of the object you want to heat does not matter. The key is to choose the right system for efficient and economical operation. Keep in mind that heat pumps use up to 80% of free energy from the environment
- says Adam Korpalski.
Case study in Urszulin - in a few months warm heating and hot water 66% cheaper
The block of flats in Urszulin was built in 2014 with thermal insulation recommended according to the technical standards of the time (10 cm polystyrene foam, double-glazed windows). The building, with an area of about 1,600 sq m, has 32 units on five floors, inhabited by 80 people. The concept and design of the new heating system, as well as supervision of the installation, was the responsibility of Łukasz Goleniewski of Goleniewski Heat Pumps, a distributor who also provides service support for the installation.
The heating needs of the building were calculated at about 60kW/m2/year. The average daily consumption of hot water, based on data from water meters, was about 2000l (2m3), and at the peak of the day it was a maximum of 800l (0.8 m³) per hour.
To meet these needs, a cascade of six Stiebel Eltron HPA-O 13 Premium air source heat pumps was installed, with a total output of 78 kW. For this purpose, it was necessary to set aside a section of the plot with an area of about 30 m². The system, thanks to its high flow temperatures, allows heating the premises with radiators. To ensure comfort in the area of hot water, for which two of the heat pumps forming the cascade are responsible, the system is equipped with three hot water tanks with a capacity of 500l each and a 700l CO buffer tank.
The investment was carried out between heating seasons. In February, an application developed by the community was submitted for funding under the RES Grant program. In May, after a positive decision on the subsidy of 50% of the net cost, the modernization work began. In June, the system took over the preparation of hot water, and with the arrival of cooler days in autumn, also the heating of the building.
For more information, visit the company's {tag:Manufacturer} page on the PDD portal.
