Heat Pumps for Industrial Drying Processes – An Overview of Realized Case Studies
This paper provides a comprehensive and current overview of the application of heat pumps (HPs) in industrial drying processes. The core of the paper presents recent, real-world case studies that demonstrate the successful implementation of HP technologies in various drying applications, including: • High-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) for brick and starch drying • The electrified feed dryer • A transcritical HTHP with R1234ze(E) applied in paper drying • A transcritical CO2-HP for spray drying systems These case studies demonstrate the substantial energy-saving potential of electrifying industrial drying using heat pump technology. A key advantage is the ability to recover low-temperature waste heat and reuse it as dehumidified, heated air for drying, thereby enhancing process efficiency and sustainability. The examples underline the growing maturity and practical viability of heat pumps in industrial drying, reinforcing their role in decarbonizing thermal processes. Additionally, the paper provides a review of the recent literature on heat pumps in drying processes, categorized into books, reviews, and case-study papers.