High-temperature heat pumps for waste heat upgrading in industrial heat treatment

Špale Jan - Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic)

The process heat in industrial sector remains one of the largest consumers of energy globally, with heat treatment operations representing a particularly thermal-energy-intensive segment. In Europe, industrial heat treatment processes generate an estimated 100 TWh/year of waste heat within the 60–100 °C temperature range, suitable as a heat source for high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) applications. Despite this significant potential, much of this heat remains unused, leading to inefficiencies and excessive reliance on fossil fuels. As energy costs rise and decarbonization efforts accelerate, HTHPs and waste heat recovery technologies emerge as viable solutions for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in metal heat treatment plants.

This presentation examines the potential future role of HTHPs in industrial heat treatment, with a specific focus on the energy landscape in the Czech Republic and projected developments over the next years. The thermodynamic principles, technical feasibility, and economic considerations of integrating HTHPs into existing heat treatment processes are discussed, supported by case studies demonstrating successful implementations. Particular attention is given to the utilization of waste heat as a secondary energy source to contribute to energy and emissions savings.

Additionally, the research and technological contributions of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU), University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings (UCEEB) are introduced, presenting ongoing advancements in the field of high-temperature heat pumps for industrial applications.