RWTH Certificate Course – Heat Pump Technology: From Planning to Operation

Planning and implementing future-proof heat pump systems

Heat pump technology is becoming increasingly important in the wake of the energy transition and the growing awareness of sustainable energy sources. The demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems is constantly growing and heat pumps play a central role in this. It is becoming increasingly important for employees in the energy sector to acquire sound knowledge in the planning, design and optimum operation of heat pump systems in order to meet the requirements of modern building technology.

This is exactly where the brand new RWTH certificate course - in line with the BAW/BAFA eligible content - comes in. We impart the latest knowledge from science and practice on the subject of heat pump technology so that you are future-proof. The certificate course consists of two independent training courses in which you will learn how to ideally design heat pump systems in both existing and new buildings, recognize pitfalls and operate them optimally.

Study format:: Certificate Course
Duration:: 2 x 2 Days
Teaching:: January 28 - 29, 2025
Course fees:: Modul 1: 798 € | Modul 2: 899 € | Combi-package: 1.570 €
Qualification:: RWTH Professional Certificate
Language:: German / English

This is a BAW/ BAFA-funded training measure that not only actively promotes the energy transition, but also you. Learn the most important basics and at the same time expand your existing skills to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of heat pumps and thus make a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and energy costs.

Register for this Certificate Course

Modular Content of the Training

Training 1 - Basics of heat pump technology: Planning & design

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the planning and optimization of heat pump systems in buildings. Participants learn the basics of the practical design and planning of heat pump systems as well as their commissioning, maintenance and servicing. Through the use of digital tools for the evaluation of heat pump systems, participants are able to support customers during implementation and provide targeted advice.

Our training 1 covers the content of the BAW/BAFA-subsidized training 1.

Day 1 | Fundamentals and preliminary planning

Day 2 | System integration and operational optimisation

Training 2 - Heat pump technology: Use in existing buildings & optimised operation

In this course, participants acquire in-depth specialist knowledge to provide sound advice on the use of heat pumps in existing buildings. They will become familiar with the legal, financial and technical basics and learn to recognize factors influencing efficient operation, evaluate refrigerants and heat sources and overcome special challenges. A special focus is placed on individual customer consultation in order to develop solutions for the optimal use of heat pumps.

Training 2 covers the content of BAW/BAFA-subsidized training 5.

Day 1 | Legal bases, technology & strategies to increase efficiency

Day 2 | Refrigerants, heat sources & practical advice

Check out the requirements to participate

Develop new skills and gain industry-specific knowledge

Gain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of heat pump systems in buildings
Get to know the latest trends and innovative technical solutions in the heat pump industry
Contribute to the heat transition through professional and timely advice
Deepen your knowledge through interactive laboratory visits and discover the world of dynamic test procedures
Familiarise yourself with the latest digital tools and methods
Learn from best practices from research and industry

Knowledge creates heat transition. Heat pump technology is becoming increasingly important as part of the energy transition and the growing awareness of sustainable energy sources. By specifically expanding your expertise in heat pump technology, you can position yourself as an expert in pioneering energy solutions and make an active contribution to the sustainable transformation of the energy supply in buildings.
Dr. Laura Maier, CTO Heat Pump Academy GmbH

Combined offer for heat pump technology: from planning to operation

Do you want to become an expert in heat pump technology within a year? Then our combined offer is worthwhile for you - in contrast to two individual courses, you save over 10% of the costs.

Register for this Certificat Course

Scientific Lead & Lecturers of the Course

Vita of the Scientific Lead

Vitae of the Lecturers

Dr. Laura Maier
Senior Engineer and Team Leader Building Energy Systems at the Chair of Building and Room Air Conditioning Technology at RWTH Aachen University

Dr. Laura Maier first studied industrial engineering with a focus on mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University and then completed her studies with a master's degree in the field of regenerative energy technologies. During her studies, she supported the Chair of Heat and Mass Transfer at RWTH Aachen University and the energy consulting company BET as a research assistant. Following her studies, she took up a position as a research assistant at the Chair of Building and Room Air Conditioning Technology in January 2019. There she completed her doctorate on the optimal operation of heat pump systems using machine learning methods. Since January 2024, she has been a senior engineer at the same chair and leads the research activities in the field of optimal design and layout of building energy systems.

Tim Klebig, M.Sc.
Research assistant at the Chair of Building and Room Air Conditioning Technology at RWTH Aachen University

Tim Klebig completed his training as a refrigeration system mechatronics technician in 2013, giving him the authorization and expertise to work on refrigerant systems. This was followed by a degree in mechanical engineering/energy technology, which he completed in 2020 with a master's degree in the field of renewable energy technologies. Since 2015, he has worked as a research assistant at the Chair of Building and Room Air Conditioning Technology and supported the Building Energy Systems team. His bachelor's thesis at Emerson Climate Technologies GmbH and his master's thesis completed at the chair are in the field of development and experimental investigations of environmentally friendly refrigerant systems. He deals with the development and optimization of refrigerant circuits and overall heat pump systems. The aim of the combined experimental and simulative investigations is to increase the annual coefficient of performance and user comfort. The focus here is on safe operation and gaining knowledge about the use of natural refrigerants in heat pump systems.

Teaching Institutes & Partner

Heat Pump Academy (HPAc) is a young start-up from 2023 that is passionately committed to the energy transition in the building sector and is pursuing the mission of promoting sustainable heat supply and advancing the use of heat pump technology. The focus is on bridging the gap between current research and practice and on providing a training program for employees who are actively shaping the sustainable energy system of the future.

The Chair of Building and Indoor Climate Technology at the E.ON Energy Research Center at RWTH Aachen University is researching the sustainable provision of a healthy indoor climate. The interaction of measures on the building envelope and system technology to increase the energy efficiency of buildings is in the context of energy-efficient district approaches with the coupling of thermal and electrical networks. Concepts for generation, load and storage management with intelligent communication between all components are being developed for the establishment of decentralized energy supply concepts with the integration of renewable energies. The institute's work is based on extensive test bench equipment as well as state-of-the-art simulation methods and the coupling of simulation and real hardware.

Participation Requirements & Target Group

The course is aimed at energy consultants, foremen, technicians and engineers as well as specialists and employees from the energy and heating supply industry. The following areas are of particular interest:

Energy & heat supply
Building services engineering
Property developers and planners
Research & development

Are you unsure whether this course is suitable for you or do you have further questions?
We will be happy to advise you on (+49) 241 80 97758

The number of participants is limited to 20 persons in order to ensure an efficient knowledge transfer in the dialog between the participants and lecturers is guaranteed.

Course Overview

2 x 2 Days | Module 1: 798 € | Module 2: 899 € | Combi-Package 1.570 €
incl. lunch, course materials & social program, excl. overnight stay/arrival and departure

Target audience: energy consultants, foremen, technicians and engineers as well as specialists from the energy and heating supply industry
RWTH Executive Certificate
5% Alumni Discount

Register for this Certificate Course

Why take the Chief Energy Manager course at the RWTH International Academy?

Imparting practical and applicable knowledge in the field of heat pump systems
Reference to current problems faced by companies in practice
Real estimation of operating behaviour using simulation and optimisation
Project what you have learnt onto your own professional field or your own company
Practical training with expansion of your existing specialist knowledge
Learning with interactive tools to copy at home

RWTH Aachen Executive Certificate & Digital Badge

You will receive an officially recognized Executive Certificate "Chief Energy Manager" from RWTH Aachen University. The achievements can be credited to other certified courses or further studies, as they are marked with the "European Credit Transfer System" (ECTS) and contribute fundamentally to your professional development. In addition, you will receive the certificate as a verified digital badge protected and authenticated by the blockchain, which will specifically strengthen your professional portfolio through its unlimited visibility, security and flexibility.

Learn more about our digital badges

In-house Opportunities

Our in-house training offers a wide range of academic and professional skills tailored to your company's specific challenges and goals. We work closely with you to develop a customized training, compiled from proven teaching methods and the expertise of our qualified lecturers to ensure optimal learning outcomes for your professional development.

Would one of our courses also be of interest to your entire team/company? Contact us: Our team for your team! We will be happy to advise you on the possibility of an in-house course. Give us a call or send us an email – we will tailor your further training to your needs!

Check out our in-house trainings

Funding Options

If you live/work in Germany, there are a number of government funding opportunities for your continuing education. Financial and time support is offered, for example the

Federal funding for the heat pump development program (BAW)
individual federal states
(e.g. through Bildungsscheck or QualiCheck)
education premium
educational leave

Find out more about our funding opportunities

All information on the BAFA development program

Further Questions? Feel free to contact us!

Do you have any questions about this certificate course, or do you need support with funding or finding a place to stay?
Feel free to contact our team at any time. We are always happy to help you.

further-education@academy.rwth-aachen.de

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