Powering up Industry: Optimizing Heat Pump Deployment in the context of the Energy Transition

Industrial CO2 emissions account for approximately one-third of global emissions, primarily driven by heat demand. While heat pumps are key to decarbonizing this demand, their deployment is hindered by challenges in identifying techno-economically feasible solutions in a rapidly evolving environment. This dissertation develops a comprehensive method to foster industrial heat pump deployment in the process industry by addressing two critical challenges: 1. how process modifications from CO2-mitigation measures affect heat pump performance, and 2. how heat pump cycle configurations and varying electricity prices impact their economic viability.
Using pinch-based methods, the research developed appropriate heat pump placement strategies for transitioning processes. Exergy-based analysis identifies cost optimal configurations, while super-structure optimization determines effective combinations of heat pumps with other power-to-heat and storage technologies. The methods are illustrated through case studies in chemical and paper processing plants, providing practice-based context.
The resulting method enables industries to apply robust heat pump deployment strategies that remain viable under different energy price scenarios and future plant layouts, thereby contributing to industrial decarbonization.