When Danfoss was asked to supply a low-energy floor heating system for an experimental energy-efficient building project, they were quick to rise to the challenge. Designed to monitor and test the latest energy-efficient technologies and systems, the project aims to make affordable and energy-efficient housing a reality.

Intelligent, interactive and renewable

Opening in September 2009, the EnergyFlex project is essentially a testing ground for the latest in energy-neutral building components and systems. As collaboration between the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) and the architecture firm Henning Larsen Architects, the project consists of two buildings: an experimental lab and a family residence.

Danfoss has worked with the DTI for the past 50 years. So in January 2009, the DTI approached Danfoss to supply floor heating systems for the project. The fast-reacting SpeedUp Eco™ dry floor heating system and the CF2 wireless floor heating control system are now part of this experimental home.

Energy-efficiency and higher comfort at the same time

The SpeedUp Eco™ dry floor heating system is based on heat diffusion panels. Easy to install just beneath the floor, the system is quick to heat up and cool down, giving improved comfort and energy savings of up to 15 percent compared to traditional screed floor heating systems. And a 3cm layer of high-density ecologically certified recycled wood fibre makes it an effective sound insulator as well. The floor heating system is especially ideal for low energy heating sources such as heat pumps and biomass boilers but also for conventional heating systems.

The CF2 heating control system offers a range of functions, including control over the temperature in individual rooms, and provides maximum comfort and energy efficiency. Other CF2 features include a Danfoss patented InfraRed floor sensor to measure the floor’s surface tem­perature, and a remote controller with temperature setback and holiday programming functions.

Simple to connect and install

As part of an advanced system, Danfoss Floor Heating products will plug into the house’s other components and systems. Then the home’s user-friendliness, energy consumption and cost effective­ness will be assessed to find the best configurations.

Danish plumbing company Ernst Otto A/S installed the systems. Erik Otto, Master Plumber, says: “We have a lot of experience with Danfoss Floor Heating, with many completed installations. The SpeedUp Eco™ dry floor heating system is simple to connect and uses less piping than standard floor heating systems, and it’s easy to install.”

30 percent by 2020

The house is already generating interest in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen during December 2009. Mikael Grimmig, Project Coordinator at DTI, says: “Interest in the EnergyFlexHouse is tremendous. Groups from around the world have already contacted us to learn more about the project and the technologies we’re testing.”

With 17 percent of Denmark’s energy consumption currently com­ing from renewable resources, Denmark is on track to realise 30 percent by 2020 – well ahead of the EU target of 20 percent. And Danfoss low-energy floor heating systems look set to play a key role.

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