IEA HPP Annex 33: Compact heat exchangers for heat pumping equipment
Short Description
The aim of the IEA HPP Annex 33 was to evaluate and analyse the potential use of compact heat exchanger technologies (CHE) in heat pumps. The benefits of innovative compact heat exchangers include increased efficiency, reduced quantity of refrigerant needed or minimized material content for example, depending on the different types of heat pumps. The use of CHE will therefore further increase the potential of heat pumps in both ecological and economical terms. The application of natural refrigerants is one example in this context. In addition, new CHE are of importance in developing and establishing alternative heat pump systems like sorption heat pumps.
Annex 33 involved the following four subtasks: market research, evaluation of the performance of CHE relevant to heat pumps, evaluation of properties and operating limits of such equipment as well as information sharing. The project partners contributed various projects and other inputs ranging from basic research to market research activities. The results of Annex 33 thus provide an extensive overview of international research and development activities in the topic concerned and highlight future perspectives and possibilities for the use of compact heat exchangers in heat pumps. This includes for examples research in the area of heat transfer processes in micro channel flows or the development of high performance heat exchangers for natural refrigerants.
The Austrian project team initially provided common market data on the national heat pump market. Furthermore a survey was undertaken amongst the Austrian producers of heat exchangers in order to gather information on the relevance of heat pump systems for their product portfolio. However, the Austrian contribution focused on the evaluation of extensive measured heat pump data, which indicate the current performance of heat pumps and their heat exchangers. The results may thus be used as a reference in developing new heat exchanger technologies.
It is expected that the research and development activities undertaken and compiled in Annex 33 will lead to further innovation and technological advancements in the heat pump technology. For Austrian companies and research institutes, its results are a basis for evaluating new technological trends and for initiating specific research and development activities. Resulting innovations will offer new opportunities and market perspectives for Austrian companies involved in the development and production of heat pumps and heat exchanger technologies, thus strengthening the sectors involved and leading to an increase in the Austrian value added.
Publications
Contact Address
DI Dr. Michael Monsberger
arsenal research
Nachhaltige Energiesysteme
Giefinggasse 2
A-1210 Wien
E-Mail: michael.monsberger@arsenal.ac.at