Johnson Controls launches Sabroe HitemHP industrial heat pumps

Johnson Controls has launched the Sabroe HitemHP line of industrial high-temperature heat pumps, designed to facilitate the electrification of process heat in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The systems are capable of delivering hot water at temperatures up to 122°C, targeting applications that have traditionally relied on fossil-fuel or electric boilers, including pasteurisation, sterilisation, and indirect steam production.

The HitemHP range includes 10 standard models with heating capacities ranging from 100 kW to 1 MW. Utilizing butane or isobutane as natural refrigerants, the units aim to help industrial users comply with tightening EU regulations regarding fluorinated refrigerants. The heat pumps can recover waste heat from sources like industrial refrigeration and upgrade it for reuse.

Key technical features include a single-stage Sabroe SMC reciprocating compressor that allows capacity to scale from 100% down to 18%. Under part-load conditions, the coefficient of performance (COP) can be up to 20% higher than at full capacity. In one reported application, the system achieved three times the energy efficiency of electric boilers, reducing energy costs by over 91% and on-site CO2 emissions by up to 82%.