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Heat Pump to Steam

High-Temperature Heat Pumps for Steam Generation

Steam production is one of the key challenges in industrial decarbonization, but it can be overcome.
Turboden addresses this with advanced High-Temperature Heat Pumps and Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) systems—designed to operate either independently or in integrated configurations.
Our solutions recover waste heat and generate steam at pressures up to 30 bar(a), ensuring outstanding performance through optimized thermodynamic cycles and proprietary compressor technology. Compared to conventional technologies, Turboden systems enable more efficient electrification and significantly lower emissions, empowering industries to achieve sustainability goals without compromising productivity.

  • LARGE HEAT PUMP AND STEEL INDUSTRY FOR DECARBONIZED SMART CITY
  • REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILL BY GENERATING YOUR OWN POWER
  • TURBODEN SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES

OUR WORKING RANGE

HEAT SOURCE TEMPERATURE VS STEAM OUTLET PRESSURE

Heat Pump to Steam

PRODUCED STEAM OUTLET FLOW RATE VS STEAM OUTLET PRESSURE

Heat Pump to Steam

WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCT CONFIGURATIONS FOR STEAM ELECTRIFICATION

Steam electrification can be implemented through a wide range of configurations, tailored to specific process conditions and customer requirements:

  • Heat pump: to generate steam from a low-temperature heat source
  • Vapor compressor: ideal when low-pressure steam is already available and needs to be recompressed
  • MVR evaporation system: to produce steam from vacuum steam using a medium-to-high temperature heat source or waste heat
  • Combined solutions: to Integrate heat pump and steam compressor technologies for maximum flexibility and efficiency.
Heat Pump to Steam

MODULAR HEAT PUMPS FOR STEAM ELECTRIFICATION

Turboden heat pump steam generation process is based on a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle, designed for high efficiency and sustainability. The system includes the following components: an evaporator, a hermetic centrifugal compressor featuring proprietary technology, a condenser, a regenerator, and expansion valves.
The working fluid evaporates by absorbing heat from low-temperature sources such as wastewater, industrial waste heat, or exhausted humid air. It is then compressed to raise its pressure and temperature and finally condensed to release heat for steam production. The regenerator further enhances overall efficiency by recovering internal thermal energy.

Two different configurations of modular heat pumps are available for steam generation:

Direct steam generation (up to 2 bar(a) and 120 °C)
They offer:

  • Efficient utilization of low-grade waste heat (10 – 40 °C) as the primary energy source
  • Steam production up to 15 ton/h at 2 bar(a) with high energy efficiency
  • Significant reduction in electricity consumption compared to direct electric steam generation via resistors or boilers
  • Turboden compressor designed for modular platforms.

Steam generation with MVR (up to 30 bar(a) and 250°C)
For applications requiring higher steam pressures, Heat Pumps can be combined with MVR.
They offer:

  • Efficient utilization of low-grade waste heat (10 – 40 °C) as the primary energy source
  • Steam production up to 20 ton/h at 30 bar(a) with high energy efficiency
  • Significant reduction in electricity consumption compared to direct electric steam generation via resistors or boilers
  • Turboden heat pump compressor designed for modular platforms.
Example of modular heat pump for steam electrification
Example of modular heat pump combined with a MVR for steam electrification

TAILOR-MADE HEAT PUMPS FOR STEAM ELECTRIFICATION

Turboden heat pump steam generation process is based on a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle, engineered for high efficiency and tailored to industrial needs. The system integrates several key components: an evaporator, a hermetic centrifugal compressor with proprietary technology, a condenser, a regenerator, a separator, and expansion valves.
In the evaporator, the working fluid absorbs heat from low-temperature sources—such as wastewater, waste heat, or exhausted humid air. It is then compressed to increase its pressure and temperature and subsequently condensed to deliver heat for steam production. The regenerator boosts overall efficiency by recovering internal heat, while the separator further optimizes system performance and stability.

Two different tailor-made heat pump configurations are available for steam generation.
Both Turboden and Mitsubishi compressors are available for high-head applications.

Direct steam generation up to 3 bar(a) and 150°C output.
These systems offer:

  • Efficient utilization of low-grade waste heat (10 – 60 °C) as the primary energy source
  • Steam production up to 100 ton/h at 3 bar(a) with high energy efficiency
  • Significant reduction in electricity consumption compared to electric steam generation via resistors or boilers
  • Turboden or third party compressors specifically designed for high-head operation.

Steam generation with MVR (up to 30 bar(a) and 250°C)

For applications requiring higher steam pressures, Heat Pumps can be combined with MVR.
This configuration offers:

  • Efficient exploitation of low-grade waste heat (10 – 60 °C) as the primary energy source
  • Steam production up to 100 ton/h at 30 bar(a) with high energy efficiency
    Significant reduction in electricity consumption compared to electric steam generation via resistors or boilers
  • Turboden or third party compressors designed for high-head applications.
  • A Turboden MVR specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into existing industrial processes
Example of tailor made heat pump for steam electrification
Example of tailor made heat pump combined with a MVR for steam electrification

STEAM COMPRESSION

Turboden steam compression solutions are based on integrally geared centrifugal compressors designed with a reduced number of very high-head stages. This technology enables high compression ratios within a single unit, ensuring superior efficiency and a highly compact layout.

Turboden steam compressors are heavy-duty machines featuring:

  • Single or multi-stage configurations with optimized speed for each impeller
  • Three-dimensional impellers specifically designed for steam compression using state-of-the-art tools
  • IGV (Inlet Guide Vanes) and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) for precise modulation and control
  • Integrated piping and condensate separators for minimal footprint
  • Compact package with built-in lubrication system
  • Corrosion-resistant materials suitable for the most severe operating conditions.

Turboden steam compression solutions offer versatile pathways to electrify steam production, depending on the available thermal resources.

Steam Compressor
When low-pressure vapor is already available, the steam compressor mechanically raises it to the required pressure—delivering efficient, full-electric steam generation.

Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR)
When only condensate and a high-grade heat source are present, the system operates via vacuum evaporation and mechanical compression. The condensate evaporates at low pressure using waste heat through a dedicated heat exchanger (designed and included in the package), and the resulting steam is then compressed to the required pressure —delivering efficient, full-electric steam generation.

Example of steam compressor for steam electrification
Example of MVR for steam electrification
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