After a few hours of driving, Frode and Øystein arrived at the igloo, prepared to install the 6.2 kW floor console with High energy efficiency class A++, and tested to provide heat down to -35˚C. Due to its compact size, innovative design and Super Quiet technology only 20 dB(A)) the floor console is the perfect choice of heat pump to be installed in the igloo which is around 20m². The igloo, constructed from PMMA glass, featured a 10 cm insulation layer beneath the flooring. They determined that the most effective installation method for the heat pump was the “culvert method”. They drilled a hole in the floor beneath the indoor unit and installed Ø75 mm pipes, extending approximately 12-13 meters from the igloo to the outer wall of the log cabin, where the outdoor unit was installed. This approach safeguarded the gas pipes from adverse weather conditions and potential infestations, such as mice. The pipes remained concealed from view, maintaining the area’s undisturbed appearance. To prevent any issues with mice within the igloo, they ensured that all pipes were properly sealed. The pipes buried underground would eventually be covered with soil and grass, rendering them invisible from above. To prevent the igloo from reaching freezing temperatures during the heat pump's de-ice cycle in the coldest winter months, the wood burning oven is used. This would provide additional warmth for tourists on-site, enhancing security against the cold. The floor model was positioned 1.5 meters away from the wood burning stove to facilitate proper airflow. “Having a small wood burning stove available during the heat pump's de-ice phase ensures that the air temperature does not drop too low. Consequently, when the heat pump resumes operation, it can do so with warmer air, reducing the need for excessive energy consumption to maintain the desired warmth,” Frode, Energikontroll explains. The igloo features a manual ventilation valve located in the ceiling, designed to facilitate the influx of fresh air from the outside. When operating the wood-burning oven, it is crucial to keep this ventilation valve open, as it allows for the circulation of clean air. Frode from Energikontroll identified the need for remote management of the indoor unit especially during the coldest months when tours are conducted. Panasonic Comfort Cloud is an application that connects to Wi-Fi and enables users to manage their systems via a smartphone or tablet. This allows Kurt Arild to adjust the temperature settings while accompanying guests on their excursions to the Aurora Igloo, ensuring that the indoor climate is optimal based on the day's outdoor temperatures and the preferences of the guests. Kurt Arild stated, "We regularly utilize the Comfort Cloud app to ensure the temperature is ideal for our guests upon their arrival." The nanoe™ X - mark 1 technology is incorporated into the floor model, effectively inhibiting bacteria, viruses, molds, allergens, pollens, and harmful substances, while also providing deodorization. Frode expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The nanoe™ X technology integrated into the heat pump will assist in reducing specific types of bacteria and odors, which can be problematic, especially since, as Kurt Arild noted, he frequently hosts guests from all over the world. Ensuring cleaner air for the subsequent group of guests appears to be a significant advantage.” The Conclusion of the project is that cold winter days and nights are normal in Northern Norway, and low outdoor temperatures can put any heat pump to the test. The product testing conducted in an independent laboratory at temperatures reaching as low as -35°C validates the system's appropriateness for cold environments and proves it to be the correct solution for the Aurora Igloo in Kirkevik, Malangen. Frode and Øystein at Energikontoll expressed strong confidence in their proposed solution for the client, who had previously received positive feedback from friends regarding Panasonic heat pumps and was advised to consider the Panasonic brand. Kurt Arild, after having the floor console installed in the igloo opted for the same model to be installed in the cabin. Ultimately, the installation carried out by Energikontroll AS was a resounding success. For more than a year, guests have relished the warmth within the Aurora Igloo while immersing themselves in the year-round beauty of the Arctic. Kurt Arild is delighted that the heat pump is fulfilling its promises.

nanoe™ X-technology, mark 1

Floor Console: CS-Z35UFEAW-1

12-13 meter piping used for CU-Z35UFEA-1