Sun, Cows, California
You always wanted to know what solar thermal has to do with cows? SOLID has built a new large-scale solar thermal plant in California and recently put it into operation.
In the dynamic landscape of sustainable energy solutions, SOLID is proud to announce its expansion into the field of electric heat pumps, extending its range beyond absorption heat pumps. This strategic move not only underlines our commitment to innovation but is also in line with the global shift towards more environmentally friendly heating alternatives.
Heat pumps have emerged as a key player in the search for efficient heating solutions, revolutionising the way industries and communities meet their heating needs. Accounting for approximately 50% of the world’s final energy consumption, the demand for heating requires sustainable approaches and heat pumps offer a promising solution.
Electric heat pumps work on the principle of compression and expansion. This process, unlike traditional heating methods that rely on fossil fuels, makes heat pumps remarkably more energy efficient, with efficiency rates 3-5 times higher.
At the heart of electric heat pumps are basic components: a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion valve. In a cyclical process, heat pumps take heat from the environment, amplify it and transfer it to water tanks, efficiently heating water while using minimal external energy.
The geopolitical landscape and the urgency of climate change have accelerated the adoption of heat pump technology. With concerns over energy security, heat pumps can replace fossil fuel-based heating systems, reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency. In addition, technological advances in heat pump refrigerants have improved their environmental credentials. New synthetic refrigerants with lower global warming potential and natural alternatives such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and propane offer greener options that minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency.
In industrial and commercial environments, high-temperature heat pumps are poised to replace traditional fossil-fuel based heating processes, such as steam systems. This shift not only reduces operating costs, but also reduces reliance on finite resources, marking a significant step towards sustainability.
District heating systems powered by large heat pumps represent another frontier in sustainable energy distribution. By centralising heat production and distribution, these systems offer efficiency gains and cost effectiveness, especially when integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
As compression heat pumps are driven by electricity, the rising share of renewable energies like PV and wind in global electricity production make heat pumps even more suitable for decarbonization efforts.
Like for solar thermal, absorption heat pumps and photovoltaic, SOLID offers the full range of services for compression heat pump solutions. Development, design, construction and operation for heat pumps. Also, in combination with heat storages and other heat generation technologies.
In conclusion, SOLID’s foray into electric heat pumps heralds a new era of sustainable heating solutions. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and embracing the principles of environmental stewardship, we aim to reshape the way industries and communities meet their thermal needs, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. We are thrilled to be entering this field, driven by the excitement of the new projects and customers that await us in this burgeoning sector.
You always wanted to know what solar thermal has to do with cows? SOLID has built a new large-scale solar thermal plant in California and recently put it into operation.
In the course of the 30th anniversary of the European solar thermal association Solar Heat Europe (SHE),Christian Holter was honored as “Outstanding Contributor in Solar Thermal Research and Innovation” on
In 2021, SOLID Solar Energy Systems received the Energy Globe Styria Award in the category “Municipalities”. In 2022, AVL was nominated with SOLID and solar.nahwaerme.at Energiecontracting GmbH as partner in
Solis Calor AB, based in Stockholm, has developed a concept for the design, financing and asset management of solar heating systems and thermal energy storage solutions.
Green news: Latest trends in the spotlight