Image by Freepik www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 27
Feature
• Shorter lifespan
• Higher capital and maintenance costs
INDUSTRIAL HEAT PUMP SOLUTIONS In a recent Danfoss webinar , Ivan Rangelov , industrial heat pump business development manager , and Mathieu Canal , director of heat pump solutions at Danfoss , discussed the expanding role of industrial and commercial heat pumps in accelerating decarbonisation efforts across various sectors . The session aimed to highlight the growing importance of heat pumps beyond residential use .
Canal emphasised the increasing adoption of heat pumps in commercial and industrial settings , traditionally dominated by fossil fuel-based systems . Heat pumps are now being used in offices , hospitals , hotels , and even in industrial processes such as food and beverage production . These applications harness low-grade waste heat , which can be recycled into the process , replacing fossil fuel burners and supporting decarbonisation efforts . Canal also noted the significant growth of commercial heat pumps in Europe of nearly 10 % annually .
Canal shared two successful case studies to illustrate the impact of heat pumps . At the University of Bologna , the installation of a reversible water-to-water heat pump powered by propane led to a 58 % reduction in energy demand compared to previous systems . A Dutch brewery saw a 75 % reduction in natural gas usage in just seven months after implementing heat pump technology . These examples highlight the tangible benefits of heat pumps in cutting energy consumption and reducing emissions .
Rangelov discussed the role of industrial heat pumps , particularly in high-temperature applications like food production . Heat pumps can reach temperatures up to 130 ° C , making them suitable for industries that require high heat . He emphasised that as sustainability concerns grow , heat pumps will play a crucial role in optimising energy use and reducing reliance on fossil fuels .
Another case was presented from Sundarborg Hospital in Denmark , where a new heat pump system provides both heating and cooling . The hospital ' s two large heat pumps , with a combined capacity of 2.6 MW , can generate chilled water in the summer and hot water in the winter . The system is expected to save 12 500 MWh annually , creating a new revenue stream by selling excess heat .
However , the broader adoption of heat pumps faces some challenges . Canal identified three key barriers : a lack of awareness about the potential of heat pumps in large-scale applications , the decoupling of heating and cooling systems , and the
Close up heat pump outside home . misconception that heat pumps are unsuitable for colder climates . Additionally , heat pumps are often seen as a single-purpose technology , with heating and cooling needs treated separately . Heat pumps , however , offer the unique ability to address both needs simultaneously , optimising energy use and reducing emissions . Once awareness of this capability grows , the economic case for heat pumps becomes even stronger , as evidenced by the short payback periods for systems like the one at Sundarborg Hospital .
Rangelov addressed the challenge of limited availability of low-GWP refrigerants , particularly in the food and beverage sector . While progress is being made , the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants remains limited . Rangelov pointed to the growing use of industrial heat pumps in the food and beverage industry , noting that heat pumps are increasingly capable of generating high-temperature steam , which was once dependent on fossil fuels . This shift is crucial for enabling decarbonization while maintaining operational efficiency .
AERMEC ’ S CAPSULE UNIT ENHANCES EFFICIENCY IN HOT AND CHILLED WATER SYSTEMS
During a recent training session , Christian Preato , export area manager at AERMEC , introduced a Multipurpose Unit designed for the African market .
The unit functions as both a heat pump and a water booster , capable of providing both chilled and hot water simultaneously , offering a versatile solution for applications such as hotels and hospitals . This dual capability allows for significant flexibility in meeting varying hot and cold water demands .
• Polyvalent heat pump functionality : The heat pump is designed to deliver chilled water as well as hot water at temperatures up to 55 ° C simultaneously . This makes it suitable for diverse applications , including air conditioning and domestic hot water supply .
Image by Freepik www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 27