Potential for Heat Pumps in the U.S. Process Industries

Abstract

Two major criteria for successful heat pump installations in process plants are the "appropriate placement" and "appropriate sizing" of the heat pump, consistent with the thermodynamics of the process. Failure to fulfil these conditions will result in the heat pump not achieving the anticipated savings and may even cause a net increase in process energy costs. This paper outlines a study in which the proven thermodynamics-based techniques of pinch technology are used to evaluate the scope for heat pumping in a range of industrial processes of significance in the United States. The procedures used in and the results obtained from the study are presented together with recommendations for future R&D.