28
Feature
Image by Freepik
• Booster system : When required , the booster elevates the temperature of incoming medium temperature hot water , which ranges from 40 ° C to 50 ° C , up to 75 ° C for domestic use . This feature is particularly beneficial in settings where high-temperature water is essential .
The multipurpose unit is structured as a compact plant-in-place system , housed within a single frame that incorporates free hydraulic circuits for efficiency :
• Hydraulic circuits : The unit features three distinct circuits : one for chilled water , one for medium-temperature hot water and one for high-temperature hot water . This design minimises the number of connections needed , enhancing installation simplicity and operational efficiency .
• Sizing options : AERMEC offers this unit in three different sizes , accommodating various operational needs . Additionally , customers can choose between single or double pump configurations on the chilled water side , medium temperature hot water side or both , providing further customisation to meet specific requirements .
• Refrigerant usage : The unit employs R134a refrigerant , which is effective for achieving higher water temperatures while ensuring energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint .
Preato highlights the advantages of the multipurpose unit in maximising energy efficiency :
• Energy recovery : The design allows for energy recovery by using the heat generated during the cooling process . As long as chilled water and hot water are needed at the same time , the heat pump functions as a water-cooled chiller , taking advantage of the heat rejection on the condenser side and improving overall system efficiency .
• Optimised functionality : The booster system ensures that hot water can be produced simultaneously while maintaining the desired temperatures for chilled water . This integrated approach maximises operational efficiency , making it an ideal solution for establishments that require reliable hot and cold water services .
He adds that AERMEC ’ s multipurpose unit represents a significant advancement in the field of HVAC systems , particularly for applications in the African market . By combining the functionalities of a heat pump and a booster , this design offers an efficient and versatile solution for meeting diverse hot and chilled water needs . With its focus on energy efficiency ,
A heat pump in a residential environment .
A Steibel Eltron heat pump reduced carbon emissions and operational flexibility , the unit is poised to ultimately enhance service delivery and sustainability .
THE FUTURE OF HEAT PUMPS One project highlights the growing role of heat pumps in industrial applications and their potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions . German chemical company BASF is in the process of developing the world ’ s most powerful industrial heat pump , underscoring the direction in which the industry is heading : toward more sustainable , energy-efficient solutions . By harnessing waste heat to generate CO2-free steam , this innovation not only demonstrates the power of heat pumps but also showcases their increasing importance in achieving climate goals and transforming energy systems across industries .
BASF has secured approximately R6-billion in funding from the German government . The groundbreaking technology is set to operate at BASF ’ s Ludwigshafen facility , where it will utilise waste heat from a steam cracker to generate CO2-free steam . Construction of the heat pump began during the first quarter of 2025 , with the system expected to be operational by 2027 .
In the initial announcement late last year , BASF ' s chairman Markus Kamieth emphasised that the project is the first of its kind to be designed for steam production , noting that there are no comparable industrial projects worldwide . The heat pump will have the capacity to produce up to 500 000 tonnes of steam annually . This steam will be sourced from waste heat generated during the cooling and cleaning processes of the site ' s steam cracker .
At BASF ' s Ludwigshafen site , steam is an essential energy source , used for a variety of purposes such as drying products , heating reactors and distillation . Last year , the site consumed approximately 14 million tonnes of steam . Currently , BASF meets half of its steam needs through low-carbon heat recovery from its production processes . The remainder is generated by gas and steam power plants .
The new heat pump , which will be powered by renewable electricity , aims to generate CO2-free steam for the production of formic acid . This innovative technology could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 98 % in this area of production . A portion of the CO2-free steam will also be distributed across other BASF production plants via the site ’ s steam network . In total , the heat pump is expected to cut the company ’ s emissions by up to 100 000 tonnes annually . RACA
REFERENCES : https :// www . ashrae . org / news / esociety / a-heat-pumps-role-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution
Image by Steibel Eltron
28
RACA Journal I March 2025 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za