Heat Pump Energy Management in Nordic Homes
Field Performance of a Tongyi R290 System in Finland
Location: Vantaa, Greater Helsinki Area, Finland
Building: Residential house, 150 m², built 1995
Heat Distribution: Radiant floor heating
DHW Storage: 100-liter water cylinder
System: Tongyi R290 Air-to-Water Heat Pump
Model: TAHMV 10 R – 10 kW, Single Phase
Outdoor Temperature: ~ +0.5 °C
Efficient heat pump energy management is not only about nominal performance values, but about how a system behaves in real operating conditions. This residential installation in Vantaa, Finland, provides a clear example of how low-temperature design and inverter control contribute to stable, efficient heating in Nordic climates.
System Design and Energy Management Strategy
The Tongyi TAHMV 10 R is installed in a 150 m² detached house built in 1995, equipped with a concrete radiant floor heating system and a 100-liter domestic hot water cylinder. The heating system operates at a supply water temperature of 27–28 °C, which is ideal for underfloor heating and a key factor in effective heat pump energy management.
By maintaining low flow temperatures, the inverter compressor is able to run continuously at partial load, avoiding frequent start-stop cycles. This operating strategy improves seasonal efficiency, reduces electrical stress, and ensures consistent indoor comfort.
Stable Performance Under Nordic Conditions
At an outdoor temperature of approximately +0.5 °C, the heat pump demonstrated:
- Continuous inverter modulation
- Stable electronic expansion valve control
- Balanced hydraulic flow suitable for radiant floor heating
These factors work together to deliver reliable heat pump energy management, ensuring that energy input closely follows the real thermal demand of the building. The result is quiet operation, smooth heat delivery, and minimized energy losses.
Discharge pressure and temperature remained within healthy operating ranges, indicating a well-optimized refrigeration cycle with sufficient margin for colder winter conditions typical of the Nordic region.
R290 Technology and Low-Temperature Heating
This installation highlights how R290 (propane) technology supports advanced heat pump energy management when combined with low-temperature heat distribution systems. High heat transfer efficiency, strong modulation capability, and excellent part-load behavior make R290 air-to-water heat pumps particularly suitable for residential buildings in Northern Europe.
For both new installations and renovations, this approach allows homeowners to maximize efficiency without increasing flow temperatures or system complexity.
Technical Snapshot
- Application: Radiant floor heating (low-temperature system)
- Building Size: 150 m²
- Flow Temperature: 27–28 °C
- Outdoor Conditions: ~ +0.5 °C
- Operation: Continuous inverter modulation
- Energy Concept: Optimized heat pump energy management
- Expected COP: ~ 5 under mild winter conditions
- Refrigerant: R290 (Propane)
- DHW Storage: 100-liter cylinder
