InterAct · INTerdisciplinary ACTion for accelerating RD on and implementation of solid sorption heat pumps

INTerdisciplinary ACTion for accelerating RD on and implementation of solid sorption heat pumps

This work will enhance the research and innovation skills of the applicant, providing him with collaborative international research experience at the highest level and new career perspectives. The collaborative research undertaken is in the overall area of the Rational Use of Energy and Renewable Energy. The project aims to advance the introduction of solid-sorption heat pumps to the market and to expand their application to industrial process heating as well as heating in buildings. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency is the first option for reducing carbon dioxide emissions – before renewables and biofuels . Solid-sorption heat pumps are a very promising option for energy efficiency in heating and cooling, which accounts for 50% of our final energy use . They use a cyclic process of adsorption and desorption which allows the transfer of heat from a low temperature to a high temperature level thus saving up to 50% energy compared to direct heating systems. Although the principles have been known since the 19th century it is only in recent years the first solid-sorption heat pumps have appeared on the market. That being said, very few (<10 000) newly sold systems for cooling and heating are solid sorption based and they are mainly for niche markets. Three project objectives have been defined: 1. to develop solid-sorption reactors with a power density exceeding 1 MW/m3; 2. to develop a strategic market plan in cooperation with manufacturers and end-users containing the required technical specifications for solid-sorption heat pumps and an approach to overcome the main non-technological challenges; 3. to maximize impact of this & other related solid-sorption heat pump project results. This project combines the applicant’s expertise concerning thermodynamic and kinetic properties of sorbent materials with the engineering skills & experience of Prof. R.E. Critoph and his colleagues at Warwick to achieve the high power density solid-sorption reactor. The applicant will also gain needed business and market skills from the renowned Warwick Business School. These synergies will deliver a successful project as measured by well-defined deliverables, both in terms of hardware development and disseminated knowledge.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union