On 13 October 2025, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology inaugurated what it describes as Austria’s most advanced heat pump laboratory. The new facility enables realistic testing, quality assurance, and the development of next-generation heat pumps with heating capacities of up to 100 kW.
The laboratory represents a major link between applied research and industrial implementation. With an investment of about EUR 3 million (approx. USD 3.2 million), AIT has established a research infrastructure designed to support industrial partners and collaborative projects across Europe.
According to AIT’s Managing Directors, “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.”
The facility integrates advanced test benches, simulation tools, and measurement methods to support the development, optimisation, and quality assurance of future heat pump systems. It is equipped for tests up to 100 kW heating capacity, supports air as the main heat source, and accommodates all relevant refrigerant classes, including flammable ones. State-of-the-art sound measurement systems enable acoustic testing for commercial and large-volume building applications.
AIT has more than 25 years of experience in heat pump research and has tested over 700 systems, ranking among Europe’s leading research organisations in this field. The institute is currently involved in several projects, including gas boiler replacement initiatives and the HEAPNOSYS PhD programme conducted with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, focusing on innovative heat pump technologies and digital services.
