UpHeat-INES-2

The sustainable energy transition requires increased electrification of heat demands in industry. Heat pumps are a cost-effective method to meet these demands. However, the current adoption rate is hold back by low maximum achievable temperatures and low performance. UpHeat-INES 2 (as a continuation of the UpHeat-INES project) wants to unlock the potential of very high temperature heat pumps (VHTHP) by achieving stable output temperatures between 160°C-200°C for a maximal temperature lift of 100°C. 

Based on the initial results and outlook obtained in UpHeat-INES (which started in 2021 and will end mid-2022), the project consortium wants to reach out to re-confirm the original expressed interests from the IAB members, albeit based on a proposal adapted to the novel findings. Simultaneously, the consortium wants to broaden its IAB member support with other partners. 

Based on the techno-economic analysis performed in Upheat-INES, the use of a VHTHP with a mixture of water-ammonia as working fluid reduces the levelized cost of heat between 65% and 37% compared to resistive heating and reductions up to 42% compared to natural gas for temperature lifts to 100°C and outlet temperatures of 200°C. This confirms our initial financial hypothesis that a VHT-HP could be viable at production sites with a process heat demand at 160°-200°C and a balanced waste heat availability. The case becomes even more interesting with a lower electricity/gas price ratio and higher CO2 emission taxes. 

The continuation project aims to unlock the potential of water-ammonia in a small proof-of-concept. A novel concept with variable water-ammonia composition is investigated. This concept makes first high temperature operation achievable. Secondly, it does this with high performance: the needed low temperature residual heat is lower as the upgraded amount of heat and the COP is at least 2.5 for a temperature lift of 100°C. In order to maximize later success for industrial upscaling, the project further details material compatibility & thermal effects for the required reliability of the components (with special attention to the compressor) and the system. 

After UpHeat-INES 2, the researchers envisage the following valorisation trajectories (with the potential transfer rights for exploitation). Please indicate which valorisation objective is relevant to your company: 

1. V01: Further R&D of the main and most critical components of the heat pump itself to increase the reliability and the ability to provide stable process heat, by increasing the running hours and mitigating early failure components (academic-industrial collaboration like ICON) 
2. V02: Increase the potential of the compressor to double as a mechanical vapour re-compression to boost steam to 250°C at 40 bar (academic-industrial collaboration like R&D – or in Dutch: O&O) 
3. V03: Upscaling of the proof of concept towards a minimum viable product to be implemented in semi-relevant process environment (albeit with back-ups), providing direct feedback to industrial partners (academic-industrial collaboration like O&O, demo or pilot projects).