Decarbonization calls for new technologies
MECOS is an important technology provider enabling the transition to a decarbonized economy.
One example is the active magnetic bearing system used in industrial heat pumps developed by Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions). In Esbjerg, Denmark, Everllence heat pumps supply around 280,000 MWh of heat per year to approximately 25,000 households, using renewable electricity from nearby wind farms and seawater as a heat source. Installed in a new district heating plant, they replace the city's former coal-fired heat supply. Since its commissioning in 2024, the plant has been the world's largest CO2-based seawater heat pump in operation.
In Aalborg, Denmark, four Everllence heat pumps of around 44 MW each will replace the city's coal-fired heat supply and deliver up to 700,000 MWh of heat per year, making it one of the world's largest seawater heat pump installations for district heating.
MECOS technology plays a crucial role in enabling a hermetically sealed heat pump design, thereby enhancing both safety and system efficiency. The active magnetic bearings operate directly in a pure CO2 environment and form a core component of the system.
MECOS supplies the complete active magnetic bearing system, including bearings, sensors and control cabinets.
The mega heat pump system also features a "Fast Power Balancing Mode" – an ultra-fast load-balancing mode that adjusts the compressor's power consumption to support the stability of the local electrical grid. MECOS controllers have proven their capability to reliably manage the complex shaft dynamics in this operating mode.
