Optimisation of thermal energy flows in the process industry (Processes4Planet partnership) (IA)

More than 60%[[https://www.sintef.no/globalassets/sintef-energi/industrial-heat-pump-whitepaper/2020-07-10-whitepaper-ihp-a4.pdf]] of the overall energy used in the process industry is process heating. The topic focuses on highly process-integrated technologies that allow heat recovery and use of high temperature installations. Heat storage, when needed, should be intermediary only. One example could be the adaptation and integration of heat pumps for high temperature (150-250 °C) applications for large thermal capacity (~1-20 MW), but not only – examples could also encompass the direct use of excess heat by e.g. the adaptation and integration of advanced heat exchangers.

The proposals under this topic should:

• Demonstrate the efficient integration and adaptation of heat exchanger or heat pumps into high temperature processes and equipment taking energy not only from air but also warm materials or liquid flows;
• Use high safety standard technologies and fluids with low environmental impact;
• Consider, where necessary, the use of advanced materials in the process development;
• Demonstrate the decrease of energy intensity of output level (intermediate, final product).

The inclusion of a GHG avoidance methodology[[That could follow Innovation Fund methodology: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/innovfund/wp-call/2021/call-annex_c_innovfund-lsc-2021_en.pdf]] is recommended and should provide detailed description of baselines and projected reductions.

The heat power generation is out of the scope of this topic. The proposals should include energy efficiency, techno-economic and life-cycle assessments considering the overall process.

Proposals submitted under this topic should include a sound business case and strong exploitation strategy, as outlined in the introduction to this Destination. As a project output a more elaborated exploitation plan should be developed including preliminary plans for scalability, commercialisation and deployment (feasibility study, business plan and financial model). This should also include the assessment of possible societal and environmental impact and implications for the workplace (such as skills, organisational change).

Research must build on existing standards or contribute to standardisation. Where relevant, interoperability for data sharing should be addressed.

Proposals should build on or seek collaboration with existing projects and develop synergies with other relevant European, national, or regional initiatives, funding programmes and platforms.

This topic implements the co-programmed European partnership Processes4Planet.