PhaseOut – Heat pumping technologies for the renovation of existing buildings

In order to achieve climate protection targets and minimize dependency on energy imports, it is essential for Austria to switch from gas- and oil-based heating systems to a renewable energy supply, as well as to carry out energy refurbishment. Although solutions for the refurbishment of existing multi-storey residential buildings have existed for many years, the refurbishment rate has stagnated at well below 1%. The reasons for the low activity are manifold. But a necessary relocation or vacancy of existing buildings is likely to be a major barrier. To increase the renovation rate, new minimally invasive and scalable renovation methods are needed that combine thermal envelope and heat supply with renewable energy sources. This innovative and multidisciplinary demo project aims to develop and demonstrate in the field innovative solutions consisting of prefabricated façade elements and façade integration of building services with innovative heat pump solutions. In addition to the development of two innovative, compact heat pump types specifically for renovation – a booster HP and a mini-split domestic hot water HP – a standardization of industrial prefabricated facade elements to renovation will be investigated.

All steps of the refurbishment process are considered in a holistic approach from conception, planning, optimization, operational and economic evaluation to user involvement.

The experience gained will be used to develop a renovation guide that will serve as an initiator and accelerator for further projects in Austria and at the international level in order to achieve the climate targets and a climate-neutral building stock.