Masthugget – A housing association with a focus on energy efficiency
Masthugget, one of Sweden’s largest housing cooperatives with 22 buildings and 1,177 apartments, has long been actively working on energy efficiency. The property manager, who has been in place for three years and leads a team of 14 people, has a clear strategy for property maintenance: replacing equivalent components simultaneously to simplify operation and maintenance.
The Decision to Install the MCC Solution
As part of the cooperative’s ongoing energy initiatives, BRF Masthugget decided to install the MCC solution from HögforsGST. This solution was chosen after the cooperative saw advertisements highlighting its ability to lower return temperatures in the district heating system at a low additional cost compared to a standard district heating substation. The goal was to modernize the facility by replacing old components, which would facilitate both troubleshooting and system optimization.
The picture shows one of the installed MCC substations.
Challenges and preparations
Before the installation, the situation was challenging. Many of the existing components were between 25 and 35 years old, and repeated repairs and replacements had made it difficult to efficiently identify and resolve issues. The new installation involved a significant transformation, where two district heating facilities were merged into one central unit, and some systems contained up to five mixing loops.
The picture shows HögforsGST’s MIX Shunt groups installed in the project.
The Installation Process
Despite some technical challenges, BRF Masthugget found the installation process to be smooth. The collaboration between the cooperative, HögforsGST, and the main contractor KTC worked well, and important lessons were learned in preparation for the upcoming replacements of an additional 11 district heating substations in 2025.
Results and Savings
Following the installation, several positive effects have been noted. The control of the three facilities has improved, and although some older radiators and valves have affected heating adjustments, the return temperature has been reduced by more than 5 degrees in some areas – a significant success. This can lead to direct financial savings, especially for housing cooperatives where district heating companies have fees linked to return temperature.
Future Development
Although BRF Masthugget has not yet installed indoor sensors to precisely measure indoor temperatures, the system has remained stable since the installation. The property manager sees the MCC solution as a profitable investment that could pay for itself in approximately 10–12 years, solely through savings on return temperature.
HögforsGST’s Role and Follow-Up
The cooperative also appreciates HögforsGST’s commitment and follow-up after the installation. By continuously monitoring the system’s performance and adjusting settings, BRF Masthugget looks forward to even greater energy efficiency in the future.
Recommendation for Other Housing Cooperatives
With these positive results, the cooperative would recommend the MCC solution to other housing cooperatives looking to improve their energy performance and reduce operating costs.
Film about the project (in Swedish):
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