New DOE-backed projects tackle factory emissions with heat pumps and…
New DOE-backed projects tackle factory emissions with heat pumps and… Canary Media
sdgtalks
Industrial Heat Pumps and Thermal Energy Storage: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
Industrial heat pumps and thermal energy storage systems are revolutionizing the way industries produce heat, offering significant energy efficiency advantages and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting clean energy, reducing carbon intensity, and advancing industrial decarbonization.
Industrial Heat Pumps: Efficient and Cost-Effective Heat Generation
Industrial heat pumps have a coefficient of performance (COP) that allows them to provide heat at a ratio of 2, 3, 4, or even 5 compared to the energy input. This high efficiency makes them competitive with fossil-gas-fired systems in terms of cost. By utilizing waste heat and operating at various temperature ranges, heat pumps can meet a significant portion of industrial thermal needs. Technological advancements are expected to further increase their capabilities, enabling heat production at even higher temperatures.
Key Players in Industrial Heat Pumps
- Danfoss
- Emerson
- Siemens
- Skyven Technologies
Skyven Technologies: Electrifying Steam Production
Skyven Technologies, a Texas-based startup, has developed an industrial heat-pump system that electrifies steam production. With lower costs compared to natural-gas boilers, Skyven’s system offers a sustainable alternative for industrial manufacturing. The company utilizes an “energy-as-a-service” business model to reduce costs for customers and shares the savings with financing partners.
AtmosZero: Plug-and-Play Industrial Heat Pumps
AtmosZero, a Colorado-based startup, offers industrial heat pumps designed to replace gas boilers in smaller industrial sites. Their plug-and-play solution is more efficient than existing technologies and has already been implemented in commercial projects.
Electric Boilers: Filling the Gap for Higher-Temperature Steam
For industrial processes requiring higher-temperature steam, electric boilers can complement heat pumps. While less efficient than heat pumps, electric boilers can provide the necessary heat for industries such as refining and chemicals production.
Thermal Energy Storage: Clean Energy for High-Temperature Heat
Overview of Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Thermal energy storage systems combine high-temperature heat with the ability to store excess clean energy. These systems utilize materials with excellent heat retention properties and can shift energy from times of abundance to times of scarcity. They offer a promising solution for decarbonizing industrial processes that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
Pilot Projects and Future Potential
Several companies have received funding to deploy thermal energy storage systems in pilot projects. These projects aim to demonstrate the viability of these systems for high-temperature heat production and pave the way for future adoption. While the economics of thermal energy storage systems may not currently be favorable for industrial customers, advancements in renewable energy sources could make them more economically viable in the future.
Key Projects and Companies
- ISP Chemicals plant (Kentucky) – Electrified Thermal Solutions
- Diageo North America – Rondo Energy
Rondo Energy: Lower-Cost and Lower-Carbon Intensity
Rondo Energy, a thermal battery startup, offers heat batteries that deliver energy at a lower cost and carbon intensity compared to other alternatives. The company has successfully deployed its commercial-scale installation in California and has plans for further expansion in collaboration with clean energy developer EDP.
Conclusion
Industrial heat pumps and thermal energy storage systems are driving the transition towards sustainable heat generation in industries. These technologies align with the SDGs by promoting clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing industrial decarbonization. Continued advancements and pilot projects will further enhance their viability and contribute to a more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. Specific Targets:
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Indicators:
- Efficiency advantages of heat pumps compared to fossil-gas-fired systems
- Temperature capabilities of industrial heat pumps
- Cost-effectiveness of heat pumps in delivering steam for industrial manufacturing
- Number of large-scale manufacturing sites suitable for heat-pump technology
- Economic viability of thermal energy storage systems for industrial customers
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Efficiency advantages of heat pumps compared to fossil-gas-fired systems – Cost-effectiveness of heat pumps in delivering steam for industrial manufacturing |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Temperature capabilities of industrial heat pumps – Number of large-scale manufacturing sites suitable for heat-pump technology – Economic viability of thermal energy storage systems for industrial customers |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Efficiency advantages of heat pumps compared to fossil-gas-fired systems – Economic viability of thermal energy storage systems for industrial customers |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: canarymedia.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
