Application of Reversible Chemical Reactions for Temperature Amplification

Abstract

In a recent survey of 108 industries in the U.S., it was found that large amounts of thermal energy at relatively low temperatures was discharged to the atmosphere through industrial effluents. For the purpose of thermally upgrading such low temperature thermal energy, mechanical and absorption type heat pumps have been proposed and developed so far. This paper addresses itself to the concept of a heat reaction chemical heat pump (HRCHP). The HRCHP concept is aimed to upgrade low temperature thermal energy to high temperatures by use of chemical reaction cycles. Reversible chemical reactions show potential for CHP operations because, the energy released in an exothermic reaction can be utilized for temperature boosting. The reverse reaction, which is endothermic is to be conducted at the waste heat source temperature and an appropriately corresponding pressure. A distinct feature of HRCHP's is that in temperature amplification mode, it offers the possibility of achieving high temperatures. Heat of reaction heat pumps need further attention because, they may, offer an economical way of utilizing waste energy in industrial processes.