Industrial heat pump explained
An industrial heat pump is a device that transfers heat from a low-temperature source to a high-temperature sink, using a refrigerant as the working fluid. By using waste heat or renewable electricity as the input, an industrial heat pump can reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the industry.
Industrial heat pump working principle
An industrial heat pump consists of four main components: an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. The refrigerant circulates through these components in a closed loop, undergoing phase changes and temperature changes.
The evaporator absorbs heat from the low-temperature source, such as waste heat, ambient air, or water, and evaporates the refrigerant. The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor. The condenser releases heat to the high-temperature sink, such as process water, steam, or air, and condenses the refrigerant. The expansion valve reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant liquid, and returns it to the evaporator.