Qvantum Energi AB, the Swedish company behind an under-the-sink heat pump for apartments on district heating networks, has received a Design Plus powered by ISH award from a panel of judges including the German Design Council.
The awards celebrate "future-proof" products that exhibit an optimum combination of sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and functionality, and are considered one of the most prestigious in Germany.
Qvantum's solution is compatible with Fifth-generation district heating networks, which supply water at a temperature of between 10 and 20 degrees Centigrade to heat pumps in apartments.
Used for heating and cooling, the networks are capable of feeding back or "recycling" hot and cold water, with advocates pointing to energy savings of around 80 per cent when compared with traditional gas boilers, and CO2 and NOX emissions-free operation if renewable electricity is used.
Qvantum CEO, Fredrik Rosenqvist, says: "The majority of apartments in Europe are heated by small gas boilers that are installed in each apartment.
"We replace the boilers with low-temperature local district heating networks that are then combined with these compact heat pumps.
Our solution makes it possible for European building owners to rapidly switch to fossil-free heating, both in new and old developments
Visit Qvantum Energi AB.
"In Sweden, we are used to using heat pumps in private homes and district heating in cities.
But in continental Europe, both technologies are relatively unknown.
Now there is talk about a complete ban on the installation of new fossil systems already next year so it's a sudden awakening among developers. We see an enormous interest, and we're building a brand new factory in Sweden just to meet demand."
A fundraising round by Qvantum in January made headlines by raising €42 million from some of the most influential investors in Sweden, with the company announcing plans to upgrade its facilities to manufacture 50,000 heat pumps annually, including solutions for exhaust air, geothermal energy and air-to-water.
Visit Qvantum Energi AB.
