Industrial Thermoacoustic Heat Pump

Industrial heat accounts for nearly two-thirds of final energy consumption in Europe’s manufacturing sector. Today, most of this heat is generated by burning natural gas, a major contributor to carbon emissions. While industrial heat pumps offer a cleaner alternative, they fall short when it comes to high-temperature applications.

Industrial Thermoaucoustic Heat Pump

This is where TNO’s thermoacoustic Heat Pump (TAHP) technology comes in place, with the possibility to deliver carbon-free heat at temperatures up to 250°C. Its high temperature lift capacity (up to 100K) and use of Helium make it uniquely suited for sectors where conventional heat pumps fail.

Easily to integrate

From a systems perspective, TAHP’s modular and scalable design reduces integration costs and supports flexible deployment across diverse industrial settings. Its ability to operate across a wide range of waste heat and supply temperatures means it can be standardized, manufactured at scale, and adapted to various process configurations.

Technical Advantages

The advantages of the TAPH are wide:

  • High Temperature Capability: TAHP can deliver heat up to 250°C, far beyond the limits of conventional heat pumps.
  • Large Temperature Lifts: Capable of lifting heat by up to 100K, making it suitable for demanding industrial processes.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Unlike conventional heat pumps, TAPH uses helium, which is non-toxic, non-flammable, and has zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
  • Modular and Scalable: The design supports standardized modules that can be scaled to match industrial needs.
  • Efficient and Compact: Few moving parts and use of commercially available materials reduce maintenance and integration costs.

The Impact

The TAHP represents a leap forward in industrial decarbonization. By enabling carbon-free heat delivery at temperatures up to 250°C, TAHP directly addresses the 33% of European industrial heat demand that currently lacks viable low-emission solutions. By filling a critical technology gap, TAHP supports the EU’s climate goals and strengthens the industrial sector’s transition to sustainability.

Collaboration

The development of the TAHP builds on years of collaboration between TNO and its spin-off, BlueHeart Energy. Initially focused on residential applications, BlueHeart Energy has pioneered the use of thermoacoustic technology. While BlueHeart Energy focuses on residential-scale systems (up to 100 kW), this project looks at industrial applications above 100 kW. TNO is collaborating with industrial partners to optimize acoustic drivers tailored for TAHP’s unique operating conditions.

Could Industrial Thermoacoustic Heat Pump's technology benefit your market position? Contact us for investment and/or development opportunities.