Technical knowledge made simple – the SPH Glossary

High-temperature heat pump technology is complex – which makes a solid understanding of key technical terms all the more important. Our glossary provides clear, concise definitions of the most relevant terms in industrial heat pump applications – designed for planners, decision-makers and all those driving industrial decarbonization.

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C

Condenser (Liquefier)

A condenser, also known as a liquefier, is a key component in high-temperature heat pumps for industrial applications. Its primary function is to convert …

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C

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a key metric that describes the efficiency of heat pumps and refrigeration systems. It represents the ratio of heat output to …

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D

Decarbonization

Decarbonization refers to the process of gradually replacing fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas with carbon-neutral or low-carbon alternatives to …

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E

Efficiency

Efficiency (sometimes also degree of efficiency) is a measure of how effectively a technical process, system, or machine converts input energy into …

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E

Efficiency factor (Carnot efficiency)

The Carnot efficiency measures how efficiently a high-temperature heat pump approaches its theoretically maximum possible efficiency. It is defined as the …

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E

European Heat Pump Association (EHPA)

The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) is the leading organization dedicated to promoting heat pump technology in Europe. Headquartered in Brussels, EHPA was founded in …

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E

Evaporator

The evaporator is a key component in the refrigeration cycle of industrial heat pumps used for generating process heat. In this component, a refrigerant in a liquid state at low pressure is …

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G

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a metric that quantifies the relative impact of a chemical compound on global warming. The GWP value of a gas indicates how much it …

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G

Greenhouse potential

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a metric that quantifies the relative impact of a chemical compound on global warming. The GWP value of a gas indicates how much it …

see also: Global Warming Potential (GWP)
H

Heat generation circuit

A heat generation circuit refers to a modular technical system for generating and supplying thermal energy in industrial applications. High-temperature heat pumps can consist of …

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H

High-temperature industrial heat pumps

A high-temperature industrial heat pump is a specialized type of heat pump designed for use in industrial processes, capable of achieving supply temperatures of …

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L

Liquefier

A liquefier, also known as a condenser, is a key component in high-temperature heat pumps for industrial applications. Its primary function is to convert …

see also: Condenser
P

Plate heat exchanger

A plate heat exchanger is a key component in industrial thermal engineering that transfers heat between two media—typically liquids or …

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P

Process heat

Process heat refers to the thermal energy required in industrial processes for manufacturing, processing, or refining products. In Germany, the industrial sector consumes …

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R

Refrigerants

Refrigerants are essential working fluids in high-temperature heat pumps used in industrial process heat applications. They facilitate thermal energy transfer by …

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S

Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF)

The Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) is a key indicator that describes the efficiency of a heat pump over an entire annual cycle. It represents the ratio between the total heat energy delivered and …

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T

Temperature lift

The term temperature lift refers to the difference between the temperature of the heat source and the target temperature of the heat sink, achieved by a heat pump. In industrial high-temperature heat pumps, which are used for …

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W

Waste Heat

Waste heat refers to excess thermal energy generated as a byproduct of industrial processes, in power plants, transportation systems, and building technology. It primarily occurs in the form of …

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