Control system for a groundbreaking solar heating plant

Heliac and Norfors have inaugurated the new plant, which is located in the DTU Science Park in Hørsholm. The solution will ensure CO₂-free heat for, among others, district heating and industrial companies that require high temperatures in production and normally use oil or natural gas. The plant can produce up to 1,700 MWh per year.

The concentrated sunlight heats a liquid, after which the control of the liquid’s flow rate ensures a controlled temperature level. The heat is then transferred by directing the liquid through a standard heat exchanger to the end user. Going forward, the plant will supply Norfors, which covers district heating for Fredensborg, Hørsholm, Rudersdal, Helsingør, and Allerød municipalities.

Init has carried out all automation related to the project, including control and regulation of the exchanger station and accumulation tanks.

Utilising surplus heat

In phase 2 of the project, the current accumulation tanks will be replaced by the latest heat storage system called “Rockstore.” Rockstore will be integrated into Norfors’ combined heat and power plant and will utilise varying surplus heat.

The future control and integration of Rockstore will also be carried out by Init.