Defining an industrial heat pump: A review & synthesis

Clear and understandable definitions of advanced energy technologies are not common and often confuse those who are not experts. This review paper addresses a critical issue in the field of heat pumps: the ambiguity surrounding the term “industrial heat pump.” The term, as discussed in various literature and media, often leads to misconceptions about the capabilities and applications of heat pumps, particularly in industrial contexts. This review paper seeks to refine and unify the definition of industrial heat pumps by analyzing existing academic and commercial literature, industry reports, and classifications. Unique identifiers explored for the definition of an industrial heat pump include the use of waste heat, operating temperature ranges, size specifications, and specific end-use applications. The study reveals differences in how industrial heat pumps are defined in academic and commercial contexts, highlighting the need for a standardized definition to facilitate better communication among manufacturers, policymakers, and end users. This is especially important considering recent legislative efforts such as the HEAT Act, which seeks to promote industrial heat pump adoption. The proposed definition aims to provide clarity while supporting the effective deployment of industrial heat pumps. With proper adoption, the definition will help promote the role of industrial heat pumps in achieving energy efficiency goals in the industrial sector. The intended impact is for the definition to serve as a foundational reference for future research and policy development.