How Heat Transformers Work
Heat transformers operate by raising the temperature of waste heat so that it can be used in applications requiring higher temperatures. This process involves a reduction in the overall system efficiency, with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) around 0.5. However, this ability to increase temperature allows the utilization of heat sources that would otherwise be lost, generating significant value from what would otherwise be discarded.
This technology is especially valuable in industrial environments where multiple low-temperature thermal streams coexist that, due to their characteristics, cannot be directly used. By raising their temperature through a heat transformer, these thermal sources can be reintegrated into production processes, such as raw material preheating, domestic hot water generation, or space heating. In this way, the demand for additional primary energy—whether from gas, steam, or electricity—is reduced, lowering operational costs and optimizing the use of available plant resources.
Although their COP is lower than other conventional thermal systems, such as heat pumps or high-efficiency chillers, the true contribution of heat transformers lies in their ability to valorize energy that would normally dissipate without benefit. This utilization helps improve the energy balance of facilities, reduce the carbon footprint associated with operation, and in many cases, facilitates compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In industries with continuous processes and high generation of waste heat, their implementation represents a concrete opportunity to advance toward more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable thermal management.
Key Advantages:
They utilize low-temperature waste heat, transforming energy that was previously wasted into a useful resource.
They generate double energy savings by reusing residual heat and reducing the demand on cooling systems.
Payback Considerations
The payback period for heat transformers typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on factors such as the size of the installation, energy costs, and the amount of available waste heat. This period can be even shorter under optimal conditions, making these systems an attractive investment.
Implementing industrial heat transformers represents a smart strategy to maximize energy recovery and improve operational efficiency, despite their relatively low efficiency in terms of COP. The key lies in the added value of converting residual heat into useful energy and the overall savings generated in cooling processes.
