The Austrian Institute of Know-how (AIT) plans to construct a warmth pump that generates steam at 184 C at 11 bars with out utilizing fuel. The tech, which makes use of pure refrigerants, might be used within the pharmaceutical trade.
The AIT has introduced the Superior Warmth Pump Demonstrator (AHEAD) venture. The institute and two pharmaceutical corporations, Takeda and BMK, goal to construct a steam-generating warmth pump that may attain temperatures of 200 C to 260 C by utilizing pure refrigerants.
The brand new know-how will construct on an present warmth pump that makes use of a reciprocating compressor and delivers steam at 165 C, developed by Germany-based Sustainable Course of Warmth. The warmth pump is being tailored to make use of pure refrigerants as a part of the AHEAD venture.
The brand new system will first warmth water from 65 C to about 130 C, evaporating it within the course of. The vapor will then be compressed at 11 bar, heating it to over 184 C, as required for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“The warmth pump might be powered by electrical energy,” an AIT spokesperson advised pv journal. “The technical problem right here is that there could also be thermal issues within the compressor or issues with the chiller oil as a result of excessive temperatures. Additionally, most typical refrigerants can’t be used for such excessive temperatures.”
The analysis venture would be the first to combine a steam-generating warmth pump in industrial operations, in keeping with an AIT assertion. The workforce hopes the gas-free system will cut back carbon dioxide manufacturing by as much as 90% at one among Takeda’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing websites in Vienna, Austria.
“Business is without doubt one of the central levers for attaining European and nationwide local weather targets. Round a 3rd of all vitality is consumed right here, and the sector is liable for nearly 50% of home greenhouse fuel emissions,” stated Bernd Vogl, managing director of Austria’s Local weather and Power Fund. “With the intention to make industrial processes extra sustainable, progressive applied sciences have to be developed and firms, analysis establishments and the general public sector should work shoulder to shoulder – as is the case right here with this ‘AHEAD’ venture.”
The AHEAD demonstrator is predicted to start out operations on the finish of 2024 and final for a interval of a 12 months. The venture is funded by the Local weather and Power Fund and is a part of Austria’s New Power for Business (NEFI) analysis initiative.
