How does grid balancing work with heat pumps?

COP is important – but stable, reliable operation and a buffer tank to smooth out peaks are even more essential.​ 

Heat pumps as flexible power assets​ 

• Electric loads that can be shifted in time ​ 

• Flexible electric consumers​ 

• Can be aggregated into a virtual power plant (VPP)​ 

• Thermal storage – in buildings and buffer tanks – allows for short interruptions without affecting comfort​ 

• Provide services that support frequency stability in the power system​ 

Why frequency matters​ 

• The power system must maintain a stable 50 Hz frequency​ 

• When supply and demand drift apart, frequency deviations occur – and reserves such as aFRR are activated​ 

aFRR (automatic frequency restoration reserve) compliant​ 

• Used for continuous, small frequency corrections​ 

• Heat pumps provide aFRR by quickly increasing or reducing power consumption without disrupting heating​ 

• Reaction time: 5 minutes