Smart-ready service H-2b · Heating
Heat generator control (for heat pumps)
In short
- 1This page describes service H-2b, the modulation of heat generators in heat pumps, within the Heating domain of the Smart Readiness Indicator.
- 2The service has four functionality levels, ranging from simple on-off control to modulation that also responds to electricity grid signals.
- 3The Smart Readiness Indicator is voluntary and is expected to become mandatory for large utility buildings only after a delegated act from the European Commission.
The levels
Level 0
On/Off-control of heat generator
Level 1
Multi-stage control of heat generator capacity depending on the load or demand (e.g. on/off of several compressors)
Level 2
Variable control of heat generator capacity depending on the load or demand (e.g. hot gas bypass, inverter frequency control)
Level 3
Variable control of heat generator capacity depending on the load AND external signals from grid
What does service H-2b measure?
Service H-2b belongs to the Heating domain of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). The SRI is a European methodology that assesses how well a building can work together with its technical installations and with the electricity grid.
This specific service looks at how a heat pump modulates its output. A heat pump that adjusts its capacity intelligently to demand typically uses less energy than a heat pump that can only switch on or off.
What levels exist?
The methodology distinguishes four functionality levels for this service. At level 0, the heat pump has only on-off control, with no intermediate steps.
- Level 0: on-off modulation of the heat generator
- Level 1: multi-stage modulation, depending on load or demand
- Level 2: variable modulation of generator output, for example using frequency control
- Level 3: variable modulation that also responds to external signals from the electricity grid
Level 3 is the highest level within this service. A heat pump at this level can adjust its output based on signals from outside the building, such as price signals or grid load.
Why does this service count towards the score?
The SRI methodology includes 54 smart-ready services, distributed across 9 domains. Each service is assessed against 7 impact criteria, including energy efficiency and flexibility towards the electricity grid.
Service H-2b is included in both method A and method B, the two assessment variants within the SRI. This means that in both cases, this service contributes to the final score and class of a building.
How does this relate to the requirement for building automation?
Separate from the SRI, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) already requires building automation and control systems for installations above 290 kW, since end of 2024. From end of 2029, that requirement will also apply above 70 kW.
The SRI itself remains voluntary unless the European Commission adopts a delegated act by 30 June 2027 at the latest. That act is expected to make the SRI mandatory for utility buildings with installations above 290 kW.
Relevant for these building types
Next step
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