Heat pumps:
decarbonised steam
The combination of our unique compressors with our VQ145 heat pumps enables the production of decarbonised steam.
AIREDIF
positions itself as a forerunner in the generation of thermodynamic steam.
Decarbonised steam
Our range of VQ145 heat pumps allows for the generation of low-pressure steam at 2 bar. This steam can then be compressed up to 6 to 7 bara (~160°C).
The heat source can be, for example, atmospheric condensates.
The AIREDIF solutions
In partnership with Vilter by Copeland and Atlantic Compressors, AIREDIF offers a range of heat pumps and industrial thermofrigopumps operating with natural fluids. The Single Screw compressors from Vilter provide power and reliability, requiring little maintenance.
First stage(Ammonia heat pump - steam 2 bar) :
The use of ammonia (NH3) is a major strategic choice. It is a natural fluid, which has an excellent coefficient of performance (COP) and a zero global warming potential (GWP), unlike synthetic fluids (HFCs).
At this stage, the heat pump recovers heat and increases the temperature to evaporate water at low pressure (2 bar, or approximately 115 - 120°C). This completely replaces the traditional fossil fuel boiler for the initial evaporation phase.
Second stage (Mechanical compression - 7 bar) :
The compressor raises the pressure of the steam from 2 to 7 bar (approximately 165-170°C). This is where the energy efficiency of the system lies: instead of burning gas to reach this temperature, electricity is used to compress the already existing steam.
This step allows for the production of saturated steam at a pressure suitable for most industrial processes (sterilisation, drying, chemical reactors) with an electrical consumption significantly lower than the thermal energy contained in the produced steam.
Variants of this scheme are possible in order to optimise the whole.
Your advantage
Total decarbonisation: If the electricity powering the heat pump and the compressor is from renewable sources, the steam produced is 100% decarbonised.
Energy efficiency: The overall COP of such a system often exceeds 3 or 4 (1 kWh of electricity produces 3 to 4 kWh of thermal energy), compared to <1 for a conventional electric boiler or ~0.9 for a gas boiler.
Safety and ecology: The use of ammonia is a natural fluid, avoiding regulatory risks associated with fluorinated fluids.
Energy sovereignty: Independence from imported energy sources (hydrocarbons) whose cost, and even availability, is subject to geopolitical movements.
We offer a turnkey solution for green steam generation, directly substitutable for gas boilers in the industry.
Ecological importance
The production of decarbonised steam is a major industrial challenge for achieving carbon neutrality targets, as steam is the most widely used energy fluid in industry (chemicals, food processing, paper, refining). Traditionally generated by the combustion of natural gas or coal, its production accounts for a significant share of CO2 emissions in the industrial sector.
These technologies transform ecological challenges into competitive advantages, essential for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Political and monetary importance
For countries lacking hydrocarbons, industrial heat pumps are a strategic instrument of national sovereignty and economic stability. They allow for the substitution of costly imports of gas or oil with the utilisation of local thermal resources, thereby reducing geopolitical dependence. This transition decreases the vulnerability of the trade balance in the face of international price volatility and energy supply crises.
By electrifying industrial heat, these nations are redirecting their energy expenditures towards their own electricity grid, supporting the domestic economy. Investment in this technology creates skilled local jobs in engineering and maintenance, strengthening the national industrial fabric. They provide a structural response to imported inflation by decoupling the cost of industrial production from fluctuations in global fossil markets.
Politically, this strengthens the decision-making autonomy of states, freed from diplomatic pressures related to their energy security.
In the long term, this thermal autonomy is a key pillar of the economic resilience and industrial competitiveness of these countries.
Need help?
We can connect you with specialists in financial support and with consulting firms to conduct a preliminary audit.
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