What is this guidance about?
This guide provides a practical introduction to high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) within New Zealand industry. Written for industry professionals, onsite-engineers, and engineering consultants, it explains the underlying concepts behind HTHPs, outlines the current technology, and illustrates how HTHPs can be effectively integrated into industrial energy systems.
The guide covers:
- HTHP technologies
- Refrigerants and cycles
- System integration concepts
- International case studies
Why correct integration of high-temperature heat pumps matters
Industrial process heat plays a major role in New Zealand’s industrial energy use and is an important focus area for improving energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
The success of a high-temperature heat pump project depends not only on the heat pump technology itself, but how effectively it is integrated into the wider industrial process.
Well-integrated systems:
- Ensure energy efficiency is maximised
- Reduce operating costs and emissions
- Improve reliability and equipment lifespan
- Enhance compatibility with existing processes and infrastructure
Poor integration can result in unnecessarily high temperature lifts, increased electrical demand and lower system performance.
Ready to begin planning and assessing a project?
Before progressing a project, it is important to understand:
- what process heat demand exists on site
- what waste heat sources are available
- whether pinch analysis has been completed
- what electrical capacity is available
- whether existing infrastructure can be reused
- how the process operates over time
Section 8 of the guide is intended to support early-stage assessment and informed decision-making for industrial heat pump projects.