Heat pump integration into district heating and cooling network for excess heat utilization

The Horizon 2020 RESPONSE project in Turku, Finland, is a pioneering endeavor that aims to establish a positive energy district. This district is a novel example of sustainable living, integrating various energy-efficient solutions. The collaboration between VTT, HögforsGST, Oilon, Turku Energia, the City of Turku and TYS has been instrumental in achieving energy positivity through an innovative heat pump system. This system bridges the district heating and cooling networks, harnessing excess heat from the district cooling network’s return line and upscaling this energy to suit the district heating requirements. By leveraging dynamic heat energy pricing for both district heating and district cooling, the heat pump strategically redistributes heat back to the district heating network, ensuring a two-way district heating and cooling solution.