Large heat pumps for industrial applications
Topics at a glance
Environmental energy is an advanced and cost effective alternative to fossil fuels. It is available free of charge and offers independence from oil and gas. A heat pump makes use of natural energy in a particularly effective and environmentally responsible way. In this area, Viessmann not only offers solutions for detached and two-family house houses. The large heat pumps for industrial applications, commercial enterprises, local authorities and large residential buildings also supply properties in a higher output range. This is done reliably and efficiently for both heat and cold.
Note on refrigerants used
Heat pumps need refrigerants: Today's heat pumps mostly contain fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). These are either harmful to the climate (so-called HFCs) or pollute the environment via water pollution (so-called HFOs). The sustainable alternative is natural refrigerants (for example propane/R290). In reporting on per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFASs), refrigerants in heat pumps have been described as "toxic" - but this only applies to HFOs. Natural KMs including R290 and HFCs are not toxic. Viessmann is converting all heat pumps to natural refrigerants (R290) in perspective. Currently we are still using the HFCs R32, R410A, R407C. The two HFO domestic hot water heat pumps will be replaced by 2024. The HFO large heat pumps will be gradually converted over the next few years.
Germany and the EU are tightening the rules for refrigerants for more climate and environmental protection. Viessmann actively supports an accelerated direct switch to natural refrigerants without a "detour" via HFOs. An ambitious new regulation is not a "brakeman" for heat pump targets (as many from the chemical or airco industry often claim): it creates legal certainty for billions invested in heat pumps and supports a rapid ramp-up.
We support BEG funding in Germany with incentives for natural refrigerants:
- Since 01.01.2023: additional subsidy bonus of 5% for heat pumps with natural refrigerants.
- 01.01.2028: in principle, only heat pumps with natural refrigerants will be eligible for support
Heating with geothermal energy, groundwater, ice and waste heat
Large Viessmann heat pumps are designed for highly efficient operation. They achieve and exceed stringent European standards in the process. In addition, they are characterised by a compact design and a low-noise, low-vibration construction. Depending on the model, the large heat pumps can be extended and therefore quickly and easily adapted to any heating and cooling demand. Heat sources may include waste heat from different sources, the ground and also groundwater. Alternatively, an ice energy store can be used to generate heat.
Heating with geothermal energy
The earth is a huge store of energy that is available to people free of charge. With the help of a brine/water heat pump, this energy can be converted into heating energy or for domestic hot water heating without having to burn fossil fuels. The output range of the standard large heat pumps ranges from 27 to 240 kilowatts rated heating output and can be increased to up to 1200 kilowatts thanks to the cascade function.
Depending on requirements, large heat pumps from Viessmann achieve flow temperatures of up to 73 degrees Celsius. This satisfies most requirements from residential and commercial construction as well as hygiene regulations for heating domestic hot water. You can also find out more about heating with geothermal energy in the section entitled Brine/water heat pumps.
Heating with ice
With the ice store system from Viessmann, there is now an additional attractive heat source available for brine/water heat pumps. Ground storage tanks and solar air absorbers are used as a cost effective alternative to geothermal probes and geothermal collectors, with no permits required. Ambient air, waste heat, insolation and the ground are used simultaneously as heat sources. In simple terms, an ice store system consists of a cistern filled with water, in which several large spirals of pipes are laid. A frost-proof brine circulates through these spirals, which transfers the heat contained in the water to a large heat pump.
The cistern is buried below the earth's surface and therefore uses the earth's heat to repeatedly warm up the water inside. This is necessary because the heat pump regularly extracts the heat from the water. The special feature of an ice storage unit is the utilisation of crystallisation heat. This occurs when the water in the cistern changes its physical state and freezes. In addition to geothermal heat, the ice energy store can also be thawed with the help of solar absorbers. You can learn more about how this process works in detail in the section entitled Ice energy store.
Heating with groundwater
In addition to the ground, groundwater above a certain depth also provides a constant, high level of heat all year round, which can be used for central heating backup or domestic hot water heating. Despite their compact dimensions, large heat pumps are powerful ex works. As heating and cooling demand increases, the cascade circuit with up to 1450 kilowatts of rated heating output reliably provides the heat needed, even during peak loads. The appliances are standardised, enabling quick and comprehensive engineering, as well as transparent cost calculation.
Heating with waste heat
The following video shows how the emission-free heat supply with large heat pumps works by using waste heat.
