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Heat Pump Technology

SINTEF has extensive and versatile competence in development of heat pump technology.

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Through close cooperation with NTNU, engineer and researcher education is integrated in our larger, long term projects to facilitate an efficient knowledge transfer to industry and commerce.

We work within these areas:

  • Sustainable heat pump technology based on natural working fluids
  • Unique expertise in CO2 technology (trans-critical processes)
  • High temperature heat pumps
  • Compact heat exchangers; design and optimization
  • Compressors / Expanders / Ejectors
  • Thermal insulation

Method:

We develop knowledge and technology through a good balance of theoretical considerations, numerical models, and experimental investigations. We continuously develop advanced in-house models for e.g.:

  • Non—stationary processes and dynamic system simulation
  • Optimization and analysis of operation parameters or part load behaviour

  • Optimization of complex system layouts
  • Detailed component models, particular focus on heat exchangers
  • Life cycle analysis, cost-benefit and environmental impact of heat pumping systems

We maintain and evolve advanced laboratories with test facilities for:

  • Heat exchangers and compressors (0.5 – 100 kW)
  • Recovery of expansion work (Ejector / Expander)
  • RSW (Refrigerated Sea Water)
  • Heat pump drying

Typical projects for us are:

  • Develop new concepts to solve specific problems
  • Design and optimize energy efficient system layouts
  • Analyze, evaluate and compare alternative technologies and concepts
  • Optimize existing industrial processes

We work for and together with Norwegian and international industry:

  • Grocery chains and associated vendor industry
  • Land-based and offshore industry
  • Technology providors
  • Transportation (road, rail, shipping)

A whitepaper on industrial heat pumps is presented which outlines the status of the technology and steps needed to realize its decarbonization potential


 

Relevant projects

From waste heat to a resource

From waste heat to a resource

Start:

The overall objective of HeatUp is to upgrade waste heat back to high-temperature levels by the use of heat pumps in order to re-utilize the surplus energy.