On 13 October 2025, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology officially opened Austria's most advanced heat pump laboratory. With test benches for heat pump systems with a heating capacity of up to 100 kW, the new facility offers unique opportunities for realistic testing, quality assurance and the development of future generations of heat pumps.
The laboratory forms an important bridge between applied research and industrial implementation. With an investment of around three million euros, AIT is creating an excellent research infrastructure for industrial partners and research collaborations throughout Europe.
‘Heat pumps are a key technology in the energy transition. With the new laboratory, we are creating ideal conditions for driving innovation and positioning Austria as a pioneer in the field of climate-neutral heating technologies,’ emphasises the AIT Managing Directors.
The new laboratory infrastructure combines state-of-the-art test benches, simulations and measurement methods, enabling the development, quality assurance and optimisation of future generations of heat pumps. The laboratory allows tests up to 100 kW heating capacity for applications in commercial and large-volume buildings, supports air as the dominant heat source, has state-of-the-art sound measurement equipment and is designed for all relevant refrigerant classes – including flammable refrigerants," explains Thomas Fleckl, Head of the Department of Sustainable Thermal Energy Systems at AIT.
The laboratory covers a wide range of applications – from commercial and large-volume buildings to air source heat pumps and all relevant refrigerant classes, including flammable substances. The infrastructure is complemented by state-of-the-art sound measurement equipment and simulation capabilities for dynamic test scenarios.
AIT has more than 25 years of experience in heat pump research and, with over 700 systems tested, is one of Europe's leading research institutions. In addition to numerous current projects such as gas boiler replacement, AIT is working with the KTH Royal Institute of Technology on the HEAPNOSYS PhD programme to develop innovative heat pump technologies and digital services.
Further Information: https://www.ait.ac.at/en/solutions/heat-pump-technologies
Complete picture gallery of the opening: https://www.apa-fotoservice.at/galerie/39564/