The research explored the automation and optimisation of heat pumps in seven Dublin homes as part of an EU funded Horizon-2020 programme, the DEDALUS project, to develop user-centered demand side response (DSR) systems. By combining technical innovation from Energised Futures with Panasonic’s manufacturing expertise alongside local installer partner MOS Mechanical’s on the ground installer insight, the project reflects the full lifecycle of heat pump deployment.
Energised Futures is creating bespoke digital twins for all participating homes and remotely controlling each Panasonic heat pump with predictive algorithms to deliver optimum comfort and efficiency. Building on the success of its earlier MESH project, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, the team has developed advanced control algorithms to enable the Panasonic heat pumps to participate in Demand Response. The system prioritises heating the home and hot water tank when electricity is cheap and low-carbon, while preserving occupant comfort: reducing heat pump operating costs and emissions and simultaneously supporting grid balancing and integration of renewables.
Insights from the Dublin trial will feed directly into complementary pilots in Austria, Denmark, Italy, Spain and Romania, helping to build a holistic understanding of how smart heating and flexibility solutions work across different climates, housing types and energy systems. The overall programme wraps up at the end of April, after which the combined results from Dublin and the other EU pilots will be analysed and shared.
As the programme progresses, Ben Krikler, PhD, head of energised futures and director of research & innovation, Centrica, emphasised the opportunity ahead: “Heat pumps have incredible potential, but that potential isn’t being fully realised. By combining advanced controls, predictive algorithms, and real-world data, we can make heat pumps smarter, more efficient, and more rewarding for households by delivering comfort at the lowest running cost while also helping to balance the grid and reduce emissions.”
Laurence Cox, country manager for Panasonic Heating & Cooling Ireland added: “This project highlights the real-world benefits of heat pump technology, from reduced energy costs and improved comfort to lower carbon emissions. We are proud to be working alongside Centrica and MOS Mechanical to help underline the growing importance of proven, low-carbon technologies in supporting the transition to a more sustainable built environment.”
The pilot adopts a user-centric, co-creation approach to understand what drives or hinders participation in demand response, including factors such as comfort, data privacy, and energy literacy. Supported by a robust social science framework and drawing on behavioural science, motivation theories, and socio-economic insights, the project actively involves participants through workshops, segmentation analysis, and interface testing.
MSM Renewable installed the heat pumps and worked directly with participating households, giving them practical support and helping ensure the trial reflected real-world installer and customer experience.
Reflecting on the trial, Mick O’Shea, founder and chief executive of MOS Mechanical’s said: “Heat pumps are evolving quickly, and projects like this make sure installers stay ahead. Handson experience with the latest systems gives us the confidence to show customers how efficient heat pumps really are. It also proves that when the industry works together, the technology delivers more for households and opens new opportunities for installers.”
As the programme concludes later this spring, the partners will share learnings that can help shape policy, strengthen installer capability and accelerate the rollout of smarter, cleaner home heating.