Review of Vapour Compression Heat Pumps for High Temperature Heating using Natural Working Fluids

Abstract

The use of high temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) operating with natural fluids has been shown to be a potential environmentally friendly solution to increase energy efficiency in industrial processes. Industrial processes release a significant amount of energy as low quality waste heat to the environment. This paper reviews the research and development of efficient and cost effective HTHP technology that can utilize this waste heat. Natural fluids are of focus with consideration given to the comparable technologies using synthetic fluids. This review reveals the different challenges from fluid selection, component development to system optimization. The various innovative solutions to these challenges and promising technologies for further studies are discussed. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a start point for research by bringing together ideas, simulations and experimental results as a resource or reference tool for future development in HTHP using natural working fluids.