How is the new high-temperature heat pump revolutionary?

To achieve this, it is necessary to feed the cold source of the heat pump. This may seem paradoxical, however, “to produce cold, we are forced to reject heat,” reminds the project manager at Dametis. “Just like the heat pump, the refrigeration system is a thermodynamic system. It produces cold and heat at the same time.” Heat recovery from the cold group has been optimized to reach 55°C. This loop at 55°C feeds the cold source of the heat pump, which allows the production of water at 95°C on a second network.

The French electricity mix is one of the most decarbonized in Europe, compared to some other countries, notably Germany. Indeed, it is thanks to the large share of nuclear and hydroelectric power in France that we emit less greenhouse gases per kilowatt-hour produced compared to fossil fuels.

For example, for the dairy industry project, the heat pump made it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15 times for processes previously powered by steam produced by gas, according to ADEME indicators.

Indeed, according to a study conducted by ADEME (source = ADEME Carbon Database), 1 kWh of French electricity consumed emits 0.0407 kgCO2 equivalent, while 1 kWh LHV of natural gas emits 0.227 kgCO2 equivalent. A much larger quantity of greenhouse gases is emitted to produce 1 kWh LHV of gas. For information, in Germany, 1 kWh of electricity = 0.357 kgCO2e.

There are also operational benefits. “In the project, we also created a network at 55°C,” he explains. “This has allowed us to make savings, but it has a double interest because we have eliminated steam exchangers producing hot water at medium temperature, such as domestic hot water, and thereby reduced the cost and time spent on maintaining steam distribution systems.”

*ADEME: Environment and Energy Management Agency

Dametis has proposed this turnkey project. The start-up has taken care of all aspects, from overall design, engineering documentation, to subcontractor management, ensuring the successful completion of the work. Dametis experts have also overseen budget management, scheduling, and structured third-party financing solutions. “We also commit to performance. If the initially announced savings are not achieved, we incur penalties.” Thus, Dametis undertakes to maintain optimal performance for several years. With this approach, savings of around 25% are expected on gas, while the site will benefit from a reduction of about 20% in its carbon footprint. To achieve this, the MyDametis software is a significant asset. This tool allows for mapping and centralizing all information related to water, energy, and environmental waste management. With this business platform, one can track energy, water, and material consumption, model flows between equipment based on parameters to find the optimal settings for installations, and manage installation performance over time. While this innovation originated in a food industry company, all industries may have the need to acquire it. “With water at 95°C, we are able to meet many needs,” says Yann Balem.