Dutch utility Eneco is testing low-noise air-to-water heat pumps from startup Whspr in about twenty homes, with the aim of easing installation restrictions near property boundaries. The systems reportedly achieve coefficients of performance of up to 5 and show noise reductions of up to 80% in laboratory tests.
Dutch utility Eneco has started testing an ‘innovative’ type of air-to-water heat pump with low noise levels in residential buildings.
The company says conventional heat pumps rely on outdoor units that emit a constant hum, requiring installations several meters away from property lines under Dutch building regulations and often forcing placement in prominent locations in terraced houses. The tested ‘silent’ heat pumps, on the other hand, can be installed just 30 cm from the property boundary.
“The pilot will provide insight into both the ease of installation and the performance in practice,” Eneco said in a statement. “The results will be used to further optimize the system, with the aim of having it widely available by the end of the summer.” The company added that about 20 homes are currently equipped with systems to assess noise levels without “compromising the daily heating comfort of residents.”
The heat pumps are supplied by the Dutch startup Whspr. “Our freestanding 4 kW hybrid monoblock systems are designed for heating living spaces,” says founder Hugo Huis in ‘t Veld pv magazine.
The device measures 60 cm x 60 cm x 90 cm and weighs approximately 70 kg. “It is compact yet robust,” said Huis in ‘t Veld, adding that initial measurements show returns in line with the market, with coefficients of performance (COP) between 4.5 and 5.0.
According to the manufacturer, the heat pump uses propane (R290) as a coolant and laboratory tests show up to 80% noise reduction.
Whspr also emphasizes ease of installation, stating that one installer can install and connect the unit, including the water side, in one day. A special control and thermostat system has also been developed to reduce compatibility issues and simplify commissioning.
Further technical details have not yet been announced. “We do not have the freedom to share designs at this stage, because patents are still pending,” says Huis in ‘t Veld.
Eneco noted that pilot installations include both standard locations and more complex locations, such as roofs and sheds at the end of gardens. The systems have also been installed in a number of rental properties owned by the Wooncompagnie housing association. “Testing will last until the end of April, after which the heat pumps will be further optimized,” the company said.
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