Concept of steam compressors in high temperature HP cascades and experiences of integrated HP solutions [30]

The demand for high temperature fluids in industrial processes is currently covered by fossil fuelled boilers and/or combustion systems. In the quest for decarbonisation Heat Pumps driven by electricity are a great tool if that electricity is generated by green processes.

Besides this the refrigerants which were or are currently used are harmful in several ways (global warming potential, ozone-depletion, carcinogenic substances or during decomposing being poisonous to worlds water sources).

In cascade systems the lift of temperature is split into two steps which makes it possible to utilise two different refrigerants/gases at their best properties. The concept of steam compressors in the high stage of the Heat Pump cascade achieves the target of high temperatures by the usage of natural refrigerants thus avoiding environment harming substances which were needed previously.

These compressors are innovative new developments and in their final testing phase resp. in pilot projects. The integrated application of Heat Pumps in refrigration cycles is a concept of using otherwise wasted energy (emitted to atmosphere by air-cooled condensers) as heat source for a Heat Pump. This makes boilers obsolete and furthers decarbonization.

The critical issue is the synchronization of the demand of heating and cooling, both from a quantity and a timing point of view. This obstacle can be achieved either within the same project or by cooperation with surrounding projects. After two years in operation of several projects positive experiences are confirming the concept.