Possibilities for energy recovery by steam compression cycles

Abstract

A significant amount of the industrial energy consumption is related to process heat. Several industries use heat in ranges reachable by heat pumps, and temperatures from 100-200℃ are especially needed in the paper and the food and tobacco industries. Drying, distillation, cooking, boiling and sterilization are the main processes in this temperature range. Steam regeneration through MVR processes see high potential COP, and several research projects exist. The DryF project and the PACO project seem most promising, aiming at 150℃. The challenges of the steam processes are related to high temperatures in the equipment, and high specific volume of steam. Different approaches exist, but more research remains before these products are market-ready. The economics of MVR processes are closely related to electicity/gas price ratio, and make the MVR process especially feasible in countries with low electricity prices.