Application and Technology Requirements for Heat Pumps at the Process Industries

Abstract

There are basically three categories of equipment used to manage heat energy flows in an industrial process. First, heat exchangers are used to move heat through the process down the temperature gradient. Second, heat pumps are used to move heat through the process up the temperature gradient. Third, heat engines are used to convert heat to shaft power or electricity. The subject here is heat pumps, and they will be discussed relative to their potential for heat energy conservation in industrial processes. The large categories of applications in refrigeration and space heating are not addressed.