The thesis regarded the possibility of using a high-temperature heat pump for the production of saturated steam as a supplement or replacement for conventional boilers installed in tissue paper mills. The study is developed using the PM4 machine at the ICT plant in Piano di Coreglia (LU) as a reference.
Initially there is an introduction concerning the theoretical notions of the technology studied, and then a calculation model is developed to evaluate its potential. In particular, the various thermodynamic cycles associated with heat pumps are described, identifying the most suitable for steam production. In addition, the most recent advances to reduce thermodynamic losses in the heat pump cycle are described, in particular those associated with steam compression and isenthalpic expansion.
Finally, applying the calculation model, the energy, economic and environmental aspects are evaluated, comparing the existing system (steam production with a traditional boiler) with the integration of a heat pump.