Seawater heat pumps: Revolutionizing energy efficiency in Europe
Heat pumps can be used not only for heating individual buildings but also in larger projects. One innovative solution is utilizing seawater as a thermal energy source, which can offer unexpected benefits.
The operation of heat pumps requires a thermal energy source. Typically, air or ground is used, but there is also potential for other media, such as river water or seawater. For example, in Germany, heat pumps are connected to rivers and can also work with seawater.
Where are marine heat pumps used?
According to globenergia.pl, installations based on marine heat pumps are already in use in Finland, France, and Denmark. There are plans to launch a pilot system in Croatia, at the Viktor Lenac shipyard, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. The system is intended to provide heating and cooling for buildings in Martinscica.
What are the benefits of using marine heat pumps?
The benefits of marine heat pumps include more efficient heating and cooling compared to standard pumps. When cooling, using heat from seawater tends to be more efficient due to more stable temperatures than outside air.
One advantage of the marine heat source is less temperature variability throughout the year, which improves thermal comfort compared to large swings in air temperature.
Marine heat pumps also benefit people not directly using this heat source. These systems can reduce the effect of the so-called urban heat island, which results from the impact of air conditioners.
What will marine heat pumps replace?
The new heat pump in Croatia will replace existing water-to-water installations and electric boilers. The current systems have a capacity of 955,000 BTU/hr, including 341,000 BTU/hr from a heat pump drawing energy from technological water. Considered uneconomical and inefficient, the new project will replace the current system, costing about $500 million. The new solution is already in effect.
