Technology Status and The Importance of Research, Björn Palm, Professor KTH скачать в хорошем качестве

Technology Status and The Importance of Research, Björn Palm, Professor KTH

Professor Björn Palm from the Royal Institute of Technology delivered an enlightening presentation discussing the technology status of heat pumps and emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in the field. Drawing attention to the original heat pump patent from 1834, Professor Palm highlighted the historical challenges associated with selecting refrigerants. Over the years, refrigerant selection has evolved due to environmental concerns. From hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide in the early 20th century to the discovery of CFCs in the 1930s, which later led to the ozone layer depletion. Subsequent shifts to HFCs and HFOs, and the recent recognition of their adverse impact as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have sparked a renewed interest in natural fluids. Natural fluids such as hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane), CO2, and NH3 have emerged as viable alternatives. Looking ahead, water and air may also play a role in heat pump systems. However, more research is needed to fully explore their potential. The electrification of the heating sector has opened up new applications for heat pumps, necessitating further research and innovation. Professor Palm emphasized the need to explore the density of energy wells for efficient heat pump deployment and integration into various settings. From small heat pumps for single apartments replacing gas heaters to their integration within "cold" district heating networks, the electrification of the heating sector offers promising avenues for heat pump technology. Additionally, Professor Palm discussed alternative cycles for heat pumps, including absorption, adsorption, air, thermoelectric, Stirling, magnetocaloric, electrocaloric, barocaloric, thermoacoustic, thermoelastic, and ionocaloric cycles. While these alternatives hold potential, vapor compression cycles remain the dominant technology for the next decade. Nonetheless, continued research and development are necessary to unlock the full capabilities of these alternative cycles.