INTENS

The INTENS (Industrial Thermal Energy Systems) research team focuses on the development and implementation of novel energy-efficient technologies for industrial energy and distributed (combined) heat and power generation. Our mission is to increase the energy efficiency of thermal processes in industrial plants through innovative solutions for process heat generation, with the aim of reducing the emission footprint and increasing the competitiveness of industrial production.

We specialize in the development and design of industrial thermal energy systems, particularly high temperature heat pumps, waste heat recovery systems, combined heat and power (CHP) and thermal energy storage (TES). Experimental research is a key method of our approach, including the design, construction and testing of in-house designed systems that validate our computational models. We work with problems from sub-component level scale up to system-level scale.

We work with many partners, from world-renowned universities and research institutions to industrial companies. We combine academic knowledge with applied research and put it into practice. We have experience in the implementation of contract research contracts - feasibility studies, basic design, expert technical consultations and computer simulations, as well as public research grants (national and international), including their management as principal investigator.

MAIN TEAM ACTIVITIES:

• development of high temperature industrial heat pumps using waste heat for low carbon process heat production:
  • production of low pressure steam from industrial waste heat using heat pumps,
  • modelling of advanced vapor-compression cycles,
  • application-specific selection of working fluids and zeotropic refrigerant mixtures,
  • development of a multi-stage screw compressor with vapor injection;
• energy consulting - waste heat recovery studies tailored to specific industrial processes,
• modelling and optimisation of thermal systems for the production of heat, cold and power or a combination of different forms of energy,
• research and development in the field of high-temperature thermal energy storage (TES) , both for storing the heat itself and for Power-to-heat-to-power systems – P2H2P or Carnot batteries,
• development of custom measurement and control systems for industrial automation of machines in the energy sector - PLC programming, frequency converters, collection and visualization of measured data,
• turnkey engineering design and construction of energy machines including implementation and experimental verification - conceptual design, 3D design, heat exchangers, rotating machines and drives, pressure vessels and piping, legislation and certification.​