Hello dear readers, the solar industry is buzzing with the latest updates and innovations. One fascinating development in the sphere of renewables is Boiler 2.0 technology from AtmosZero. This technology really stands out as a significant step towards more widespread adoption of solar power for various industries, and I couldn’t help but dig into the details of this development for you, my solar curious audience.
Boiler 2.0 is essentially an air-sourced heat pump that produces steam for industrial use. This may sound standard until you realise that this system can be seamlessly combined with solar power generation and storage. Now, that’s a game-changer in the solar industry! The equipment requires electricity to run, and it’s agnostic as to where that electricity comes from, as long as it’s available — ideal for incorporating solar panels for your home or a more substantial solar array for home.
Did you know that most industrial steam is produced by burning fossil fuels on-site in boiler systems? Such systems are used widely, from the food & beverage industry to chemical manufacturing, and account for about 8% of global energy use. Herein lies the significance of AtmosZero’s Boiler 2.0 which extracts heat from the air and delivers high-temperature steam. This is achieved with maximum efficiency and zero carbon emissions, offering a fantastic alternative for companies to substitute their existing natural gas and oil boilers in a cost-effective manner.
What makes this technology even more impressive is its capacity. The heat pump draws 480 V of voltage in a three-phase configuration and can produce 650 kW of thermal energy. The output flow is around 997.9 kg/hr of saturated steam. With an output temperature-pressure ranging between 120 C/199.8 kPa and 165 C/701.7 kPa, it’s clear that this technology could revolutionise how solar companies produce and use energy.
The performance of this system is based on a variety of factors, including ambient temperatures and the desired steam temperature. AtmosZero aims for a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2 going from 15C ambient to 150 C saturated steam. Without getting too technical, this essentially means that the system is designed to perform efficiently under various environmental conditions.
Boiler 2.0 uses a refrigerant with low global warming potential (GWP), flammability, and toxicity, ticking more boxes in the environmental sustainability checklist. Plus, its footprint is fairly compact, approximately 2.4 meters x 6.1 meters, making it feasible for installation in limited spaces.
Currently, AtmosZero is testing the system under a full-scale pilot at a facility operated by New Belgium Brewing Company and it plans to produce 165 C by 2025 and achieve 200 C by 2026.
The takeaway? As the solar trend continues to grow, keep an eye out for new developments and technologies. With advancements like Boiler 2.0, solar power can be used in more innovative and sustainable ways than ever before, by businesses and homeowners alike. As a solar expert, it’s exciting to watch the evolution of solar companies and technologies, and I look forward to keeping you all updated with the latest in this fast-paced industry.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/14/colorado-startup-develops-air-source-steam-heat-pump-for-industrial-use/
