How Industrial Heat Pumps Work

Industrial heat pumps move thermal energy from a lower temperature source to a higher temperature destination using a compression cycle. Unlike traditional heating that converts fuel to heat at 30-60% efficiency, heat pumps leverage the environment as a free energy source, achieving COPs (Coefficient of Performance) of 3-6. This means delivering 3-6 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed—effectively 300-600% efficiency.

Interactive Heat Pump Configurator

Configure source and target temperatures to see real-time COP calculations and energy savings

Select Heat Pump Type

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Air-Source Heat Pump

Uses ambient air as heat source. Most common, moderate efficiency.

Source: -20°C to 35°CMax Output: 90°C

Heat Source Temperature: 20°C

-20°C35°C

Target Process Temperature: 80°C

20°C90°C

Heat Pump Performance

COP: 2.65

Temperature Lift: 60°C

⚡

Electrical Input

1 kWh

× 2.65

+ 1.65 kWh from Air Source

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Heat Output

2.65 kWh

Energy Savings

62%

vs. Gas Boiler

Emission Reduction

18%

Grid Average

Efficiency Class

EU Rating

Annual Savings

$1324

per 100 MWh

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Temperature Lift Challenge

COP decreases as temperature difference increases. A 50°C lift might achieve COP 4, while 100°C lift drops to COP 2-3. Cascading multiple heat pumps can overcome this limitation.

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Waste Heat Integration

40-50% of industrial energy becomes waste heat. Heat pumps can upgrade this low-grade heat (30-60°C) to process temperatures (80-120°C), achieving COPs of 5-8.

Industrial Heat Pump Technologies

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