High-Temperature Heat Pumps for Electrification and Cost-Effective Decarbonization in the Tissue Paper Industry

Alessio Ciambellotti (), Guido Francesco Frate, Andrea Baccioli and Umberto Desideri
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Alessio Ciambellotti: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Guido Francesco Frate: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Andrea Baccioli: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Umberto Desideri: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-23

Abstract: The pulp and paper industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint. This study examines the feasibility of integrating high-temperature heat pumps (HTHP) into tissue paper production to enhance energy efficiency and decarbonization. Focusing on the energy-intensive drying process, the study uses data from a typical tissue paper mill to simulate and optimize an HTHP system producing four tons per hour of nine-bar saturated steam. It also addresses necessary modifications for HTHP integration applicable across the sector. Various refrigerants were analyzed, achieving a maximum coefficient of performance ( COP ) of 2.01. Results showed that HTHP can reduce energy consumption and emissions by up to 17% and 40%, respectively, based on the European electricity mix. Although steam production costs increase by 55% compared to fossil fuel-based systems, HTHP is more cost-effective than direct electric resistance heating, which raises costs by 196%. With a CO 2 price of EUR 100/t, HTHP offers a 12% cost reduction. However, without public funding, capital expenditures may be unsustainable in many regions, though viable in countries with favorable gas and electricity price differentials. The paper underscores the need for advancements in HTHP technology and cost reductions, emphasizing industry adaptation for seamless HTHP integration.

Keywords: process heat; paper industry; high-temperature heat pumps; waste heat recovery; power-to-heat; industrial decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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