Industrial heat pumps
Alfa Laval innovates compact plate heat exchanger technology for heat pump systems. These are installed to recover heat from industrial processes but also recover low-grade heat from data centers and natural heat sources like sea, river, sewage, or groundwater. We work closely with leading local installers and system builders from across the globe, supplying both standard and customized heat exchanger solutions. We focus largely, but not exclusively, on applications that employ natural refrigerants.
We have experience working with both electrically driven as well as thermally driven heat pumps type so do not hesitate to contact Alfa Laval for advice regarding appropriate heat exchanger selection
The keys to sustainable heating with electrically driven industrial heat pumps
- Consider what temperature you really need. Heat pumps delivering above 100 °C typically operate at about half the efficiency of those delivering below 90 °C.
- A system with a natural refrigerant like ammonia, CO₂, or hydrocarbons ensures future-proof investment, with ammonia typically offering the highest efficiency.
- Ensure the system uses modern technology like plate heat exchangers for low refrigerant charge and efficient temperature approach, reducing payback time.
- Choose a reliable supplier of plate heat exchangers. Alfa Laval latest developments are focusing further efficiency gains in heat pump applications.
RefTight™ sealing system
High performance gasket sealing, for high-pressure duties. The RefTight™ sealing system in our semi-welded plate heat exchangers enables enhanced, long-term performance in heat pump applications with high pressures and temperatures. The weld is positioned outside the separate ring-gasket groove, which ensures reliable sealing, extends the lifetime of the gasket, and prolongs service intervals.
Integrated subcooling
Heat pumps with high-efficiency design can result in substantial economic savings. Integrating subcooling and de-superheating into the condenser of the plate heat exchanger makes it possible to improve energy efficiency without the need for extra pipework or additional components.
Turn to efficiency
Alfa Laval plate heat exchangers can operate with the same small temperature difference as evaporators. To fully benefit this efficiency, we have developed the U-Turn separator. This efficient module is also very compact, and the connections are grouped to allow the module to be installed close to walls or on the perimeter of a main skid.
- Designed for natural ammonia refrigerant
- Minimum pressure drop losses, maximum energy efficiency
- Close temperature approach, space saving design
- Complete solution including our heat exchanger and separator technology
Energy efficiency potential in industrial heat pumps
Did you know that more than 50% of primary energy is lost as waste heat? However, industrial heat pumps can capture and reuse waste heat for buildings and industrial processes.
Sounds interesting? Download this infographic to learn how much energy you can save by switching to heat pumps.
Advanced solutions for industrial heat pumps
Semi-welded plate heat exchangers
Semi-welded plate heat exchangers are built for demanding duties. Alfa Laval's unique gasket sealing system enables enhanced, long-term performance in applications with high pressure and temperatures. Safe and reliable sealing, no risk of cross-contamination and a compact design makes these heat exchangers an ideal choice for a variety of energy storage solutions.
Brazed plate heat exchangers
Our copper-brazed plate heat exchangers are compact, efficient, and the standard type of heat exchangers for evaporating, and condensing in commercial and residential heat pumps. They work with most types of environmentally friendly, low-GWP refrigerants, including important natural refrigerants, such as CO2 and hydrocarbons. Each unit is designed with a range of unique features that ensure superior thermal performance and reliability.
AlfaNova
Most plate heat exchangers used in commercial or small-capacity industrial heat pumps are brazed with copper. While suitable for many applications, copper reacts negatively with ammonia, an important natural refrigerant. Built with our unique fusion-bonding method, AlfaNova offers the market’s only 100% stainless steel plate heat exchanger. It is a compact, efficient solution for cooling very clean, sensitive, liquids, which takes advantage of ammonia’s low-GWP potential.
Selected industrial heat pump cases
Odense, Denmark
The heat pumps at Ejby Mølle can supply a total of 20 MW of heat and also lead to a reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gases of 128,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalents over 20 years. Press the button below to learn more about the installation of heat pumps at wastewater treatment plants.
Fenland, UK
The heat pump installation consists of four ammonia* heat pumps installed in parallel, totally delivering the 33 MW of thermal heating. Alfa Laval supplied 14 semi-welded plate heat exchangers of T20BW-type as condensers and evaporators. Press the button below to learn more about the sustainable greenhouse complex powered through a combination of industrial heat pumps and CHP.
Committed to industry collaboration
Eurammon
Eurammon is an association of companies, institutions and individuals who share a common goal: to encourage a sustainable approach to refrigeration and heat pump engineering. Since its inception in 1996, Eurammon has advocated the use of natural refrigerants. Alfa Laval is a founding member of the association.
EHPA
Alfa Laval is a member of The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) which is the voice of the European heat pump sector in Brussels. The vision of EHPA is that in a fully decarbonized Europe, heat pump technologies are the number one heating and cooling solution. They are a central part of a renewable, sustainable and smart energy system.
IIAR
IAR is an American technical member organization with industry representation from all facets of the natural refrigeration and heat pump community, including manufacturers, engineers, contractors, end-users, academics, scientists, trainers, and more. IIAR is a leading advocate for the safe, reliable and efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants.
Alfa Laval walks the talk - An ammonia heat pump absorbs the waste heat from the cooling system of the plate pressing operation in the Alfa Laval factory. Benefitting plate heat exchangers, it contains an ammonia charge of only 40 kg for a capacity of 827 kW with a COP of 7. >> Read more about the case.
A heat pump equipped with efficient Alfa Laval plate heat exchangers enables waste heat recovery from municipal wastewater and seawater, supplying a district heating network that serves 1100 homes in Nyhavn, Copenhagen with sustainable heat. The result is major energy savings and emissions reductions.