SPECIAL HEAT SOURCES – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Special heat sources are based on capturing heat that would otherwise be lost — for example, in wastewater, industrial processes or deep layers of the earth. A heat pump equipped with the appropriate heat exchanger extracts energy from these sources and converts it into usable heat for space heating or domestic hot water production. The efficiency of such a system mainly depends on the consistency, temperature and quantity of the available heat source. 

• Waste heat from industry and buildings – Waste heat is generated in many processes — from plastic production and laser cooling to laundries and treatment plants. It can be captured via water or air and used as a heat source. Ventilation heat or wastewater from large buildings is also often used. Thanks to the constant availability of heat, this is a very efficient source for heat pumps, particularly in industrial facilities. 

• Heat from septic systems and wastewater – With a suitable pipe system integrated into tanks or sewer pipes, heat can be extracted from sewage. Such systems are especially suitable for farms, tourist facilities and urban areas where there is a sufficient volume of wastewater for continuous operation. 

• Tunnels as a heat source – The temperature in underground tunnels remains stable throughout the year, enabling reliable system operation. A pipe system, similar to a ground collector, is installed along the tunnel walls. Although this is a more complex installation, tunnels are ideal for large buildings in urban environments. KRONOTERM is involved in a project using heat from the Turin metro, where heating is provided with energy from the underground railway. 

• Deep geothermal wells – Geothermal wells at depths of 500 m and more provide access to water with temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 60 °C or higher. The water can be used directly for low-temperature heating systems, while a heat pump can further boost the temperature for high-temperature systems or pools. This solution is particularly suitable for thermal spas, district heating systems or heating industrial greenhouses. 

By utilizing heat that would otherwise go to waste, you achieve high energy efficiency and significant cost savings. These are also sustainable sources that help reduce the carbon footprint and are often already available near the building. Thanks to the stable temperature and constant heat flow, the SCOP of the system can reach values comparable to or higher than conventional sources. 

A heat pump using a special heat source is an excellent choice for: 

• Industrial facilities with surplus process heat 

• Buildings with wastewater or septic systems 

• Urban buildings near tunnels or underground infrastructure 

• Tourist centres, farms, laundries or treatment plants 

• Buildings with access to deep geothermal water 

If you have the opportunity to capture heat from one of these sources, you can significantly reduce heating costs over the long term and improve your building’s energy efficiency. Contact us to find out if this solution is right for your home or building.