Heat pumping processes

Heat pumping processes is used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems to move heat between different temperature levels. Important application areas for the technique are; domestic refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, residential and commercial air conditioning and heating, food processing and cold storage, industrial refrigeration, liquefaction of gases, mobile air conditioning and marine- and transport refrigeration.

The systems needs power input in from electricity or high temperature heat. Energy efficiency is very important in order to reduce the energy consumption, both with regard to today’s shortage of energy, but also in order to reduce the CO₂ emissions from power production.

SINTEF develops systems and components for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems, as well as insulation systems. An important focus is development of energy efficient systems using natural working fluids, with emphasis on CO₂. We can offer optimization of both systems and components. Interaction between theory, modeling and experimental activities are important in our work. A large well equipped laboratory, advanced simulation-  and optimization tools, as well as a well qualified personnel are important elements for successful projects.

Important keywords for our activity are:

• CO₂ as refrigerant
• Natural refrigerants
• Refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems
• Development and testing of components and systems
• Liquefaction of gases, natural gas and hydrogen
• Thermophysical properties, heat transfer and pressure drop
• Insulation technology
• Thermal calculations of constructions
• Measurements of thermal properties of materials

Illustrations: SINTEF Media