Heat Exchanger World magazine April 2024 | Page 58

Project News
Arla Foods Ingredients invests EUR 32m in Denmark facility
Arla Foods Ingredients is set to make a substantial stride toward achieving its carbon reduction objectives with a EUR 32M investment in an innovative electric heat pump facility at its primary processing plant in Denmark . This ambitious project represents Arla ’ s largest single investment in net-zero initiatives to date , marking a significant leap forward in the company ’ s pursuit
of carbon neutrality . The facility , slated for completion in 2025 at Arla ’ s Danmark Protein site , is designed to convert 2.8MW of electricity into a formidable 8MW of heat . This newly generated heat will be integrated into the plant ’ s 90 ° C heat distribution network , catering to processes like spray-drying for the creation of powdered whey ingredients .
By shifting from gas to electricity for heat production , Arla anticipates a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at the site . The projected annual decrease of 14,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent represents a remarkable 22 % cut compared to the levels recorded in 2023 . The Danmark Protein heat pump facility is positioned to serve as a model for comparable initiatives at other Arla Foods Ingredients
sites , showcasing the company ’ s dedication to pioneering sustainable practices within the industry .
France to promote biomass heat production
In a significant move towards sustainable energy , the European Commission has approved France ’ s EUR 325M scheme aimed at boosting heat production from biomass . The initiative , structured as an annual direct grant over a fifteenyear period , seeks to incentivise the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources for heating purposes . Under this scheme , the French government will provide financial support to cover the cost differential between biomass projects and conventional fossil fuel alternatives . The aid is accessible to heat producers , industrialists , and thirdparty energy providers embarking on new biomass heat production ventures with an anticipated energy output exceeding 12 GWh / year . This measure aligns with the EU ’ s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions . The scheme , slated to operate until December 31 , 2025 , underscores France ’ s dedication to environmental sustainability and signifies a crucial step in accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies .
OU Engineering leads USD 1.8M project for Military Efficiency
Li Song , Ph . D ., a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Oklahoma , has received a USD 1.18M grant from the Department of Defense to design a system for simultaneous heating and cooling demands at military installations , with the goal of enhancing efficiency and reliability . The grant , which takes place over three years , is part of the DOD ’ s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program ’ s selection of 50 groundbreaking initiatives for fiscal year 2023 . Titled “ Performance demonstration of an integrated water-source heat pump water heater system to meet simultaneous heating and cooling demands at military installations ,” its mission is carbon reduction in military installations .
Karbon Hero partners with UTM LOCARTIC
Karbon Hero partners with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia ( UTM LOCARTIC ), to accelerate decarbonization of energy intensive industries from the application of waste heat recovery solutions pioneered by UTM LOCARTIC . Both parties will strengthen the work of promoting more efficient use of energy in key industrial sectors supporting them in reducing carbon intensity and complying with local ESG objectives , in-line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 . This collaboration will drive
The Biden Administration has issued an Executive Order to all federal agencies establishing timelines to transition to carbon pollution-free electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions . However , current technologies are not sufficiently advanced to facilitate this transition , according to Song . Her team is working to change that . The project is located at Tinker Air Force Base and is conducted in collaboration with Song ’ s Building Energy Efficiency Laboratory at OU , the HVAC laboratory at the University of Miami , and industrial partners Trade Mechanical Contractors Inc . and Honeywell . With a focus on demonstrating an integrated water-source heat pump water heater system ,
the use of recovered waste heat for electricity generation and hydrogen as an energy storage solution . Karbon Hero will complement UTM LOCARTIC ’ s development and commercialization of its waste heat recovery technologies such as Electric Turbo-Compound ( ETC ), Organic Rankine Cycle ( ORC ), and Thermo-Electric Generation ( TEG ) systems , by utilising its experience and expertise in carbon accounting , reporting and verification frameworks for the issuance of Genesys Credits from waste heat recovery projects .
the group will evaluate design and installation costs , validate real-world performance , and facilitate technology transfer and commercialization . The integrated water-source HPWH system offers a highly efficient electrification approach for military installations , effectively doubling the efficiency of traditional applications , Song says .
This will create a new revenue stream for energy intensive industries to decarbonize at an accelerated rate . Active academia-industry synergy like this will further propel Malaysia as a leader in environmental and decarbonization solutions to meet net zero goals by 2050 .
Wartsila Technology to provide cleaner energy in USA
Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the generating equipment for an 18 MW expansion to an existing power plant in New Mexico , USA , utilizing reciprocating internal combustion engine ( RICE ) technology . The plant will operate on natural gas fuel and will replace lost generating capacity following the closure of a coal-fired power plant and also provide flexible dispatchable power for the utility and their power needs . The contract is with the City of Farmington and was booked as order intake by Wärtsilä in November 2023 . By switching from coal to natural gas , the project aligns with the global trend towards cleaner , lower-carbon fuels . The two Wärtsilä 34SG gas-fuelled engines selected for this project are also capable of operating on biogas , synthetic methanol , and hydrogen blend . They require minimal water consumption , which is an important consideration in areas such as New Mexico where high ambient temperatures can be expected and water is scarce . The Wärtsilä equipment for the project is expected to be delivered by January 2025 . When operational , the plant will provide sufficient power to deliver electricity to approximately 14,000 homes . It will also boost local employment .
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