HOFOR partners with Danfoss to optimise Danish district heating network
Image courtesy Danfoss
HOFOR (Greater Copenhagen Utility) has partnered with tech supplier Danfoss, investing in their AI-powered Leanheat software to optimise the supply temperature in the district heating network.
Alongside investments in large heat pumps, geothermal energy, and other digital initiatives, HOFOR is transitioning to electricity-based production and maximising energy efficiency in Copenhagen.
With Danfoss Leanheat, HOFOR integrates local weather forecasts and real-time data – including temperature measurements, critical system points, and heat demand forecasts – to dynamically optimise the supply temperature in the district heating network.
This approach ensures that temperatures are kept as low as possible without compromising warmth and comfort.
Over time, the system adapts to the specific conditions of each district heating area, improving the accuracy of predictions and further optimising operations. The improved efficiency also leads to reduced fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.
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Commenting in a release was Kim Kanstrup, section manager at HOFOR: “With climate change and fluctuating energy prices affecting us, we need to save heat. Intelligent control is a key milestone in our efforts to digitise and optimise Copenhagen’s district heating systems.
“If we can manage heat more precisely based on demand, we enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. And we can do so without our customers noticing any difference or having to adjust their radiator thermostats themselves.”
Added Lars Troldahl, business development manager at Danfoss District Energy: “With the Danfoss Leanheat solution, HOFOR can operate their district heating network more efficiently and reliably. By automatically optimising the supply temperature to the network, we can reduce heat loss and costs while still meeting customer needs.”
From pilot project to full implementation
The collaboration follows a successful pilot project launched in 2020, which laid the foundation for the current implementation. Subsequently, HOFOR has chosen Danfoss Leanheat as the standard software solution for temperature optimization.
The Leanheat solution positions Danfoss as a key technology partner in district heating systems.
Danfoss is responsible for the full implementation of the new solution.
Said Jonas Loholm, business development director, Danfoss District Heating: “This agreement is proof that both Danfoss and HOFOR have ambitious goals for temperature optimisation and energy efficiency. It confirms our role as a leader in digital district heating solutions, serving not just as an inspiration in Denmark, but globally.”
HOFOR A/S is Denmark’s largest local utility provider, delivering water, heating, city gas, district cooling and wastewater management to more than 1 million people in the Greater Copenhagen area.
