Lena Sundquist, CEOClimeon is bringing this concept to fruition with its blend of innovation and expertise.
Its patented HeatPower technology offers a cost-effective method of converting lowtemperature waste heat into carbon-free electricity. The system is designed to tap into the heat released as a by-product from sources like industrial processes, power generation units, maritime engines, and geothermal heat, even when the temperature is as low as 80°C.
The generated electricity can be applied to immediate energy needs, reducing reliance on the grid for industrial applications or fuel, in the case of maritime engines. It can also be used for internal operations within a manufacturing facility or sold back to the grid to support broader clean energy production, facilitating efficient and eco-friendly power generation.
“By generating emission-free power from a resource they own, we help companies decrease their operating costs and dependency on fossil fuels, and advance towards a future with net-zero emissions,” says Lena Sundquist, CEO of Climeon.
Weather-Independent Power Generation with Modified ORC
HeatPower technology leverages the principles of the organic rankine cycle (ORC) and the thermal disparity between a hot and cold energy source to generate electricity. The waste heat recovery system consists of two heat exchangers connected in a closed working media loop. It uses an organic fluid, with a boiling point lower than water, to generate electricity from low-temperature waste heat. In this closed-loop system, one heat exchanger evaporates this eco-friendly and non-flammable fluid using waste heat at temperatures lower than 100 °C, expanding its volume and creating a high-pressure gas flow.
This gas propels a turbine, generating electricity, before another heat exchanger cools and condenses the gas back into a liquid using cold water. The cycle is repeated, with the working medium recirculated back into the system, setting the stage for continuous and sustainable energy production. The principal advantage of this method is its ability to continuously generate electricity as long as both hot and cold inputs remain available, regardless of weather conditions, making it an ideal solution for industries where a consistent power supply is vital.
Redefining Maritime Sustainability with HeatPower 300
Engineered for the maritime sector, Climeon’s award-winning HeatPower 300 Marine system can generate up to 355kW of power from a single unit. It offers a cost-effective power generation solution, minimising the overall cost per produced kilowatt, taking into account not only the hardware costs, but installation and operational expenses as well. The application of Climeon’s HeatPower system reduces the shipping industry’s dependence on fuel-powered generators.
The system reduces the amount of fuel consumed by maritime engines by up to 5 percent, which can offer a considerable decrease in fuel costs for shipowners, as more costly green fuels are introduced in the industry. The solution enhances energy efficiency onboard and significantly reduces CO2 emissions by up to 100,000 metric tons over the course of a vessel’s 25-year lifespan. It also enhances the energy efficiency design index (EEDI), the energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI), and the carbon intensity indicator (CII) ratings. This is especially important as the energy-intensive maritime sector accounts for nearly 2.8 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these statistics, maritime cargo remains the most eco-efficient means of sustaining the global supply chain. It’s imperative to continue supporting this mode of transportation while minimising its environmental impact.
By generating emission-free power from a resource they own, we help companies decrease their operating costs and dependency on fossil fuels, and advance towards a future with net-zero emissions
“Beyond the maritime sector, our flexible HeatPower 300 product platform can also cater to land-based applications with minor adjustments, serving as a powerful solution for industrial operations and geothermal power plants,” says Sundquist.
Minimising Financial Risks in Geothermal Power Conversion
In the quest for enhanced renewable power production, Climeon emerges as a significant contributor to the geothermal sector. With its capacity to replace fossil fuels as a dispatchable baseload, geothermal heat power plays a pivotal role in transitioning towards renewable power production. Climeon taps into the earth’s internal heat in geologically active areas, generating consistent and reliable electricity year-round. Since 2018, it has been operating units in Iceland, significantly contributing to the global geothermal power landscape.
It moves away from traditional approaches to geothermal power generation with its specialisation in decentralised, low-temperature power generation. This innovative system has distinct advantages over its conventional counterparts, which focus primarily on large-scale, centralised plants using high-temperature heat from deep wells.
Geothermal energy sources are found in limited locations worldwide, often far from population centres where power is needed most. Harnessing these sources involves drilling to significant depths, which increases financial risks. These projects require substantial upfront investment and carry considerable risk long before any ROI is realised. In contrast, Climeon’s HeatPower system taps into low-temperature geothermal heat, which is widespread, akin to wind and solar power availability. This heat can be accessed at shallower depths, reducing drilling costs and financial risks. The dispatchable power source provided by lowtemperature geothermal heat offers further value, enhancing Climeon’s position in the renewable energy landscape.
Blazing Ahead with Proven Results
One notable instance is a Swedish steel mill where its product has been installed for more than six years, consistently producing sustainable power. This real-world application is a compelling testament to its transformative impact in harnessing low-temperature heat into a consistent stream of sustainable power.
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Beyond the maritime sector, our flexible HeatPower 300 product platform can also cater to land-based applications with minor adjustments, serving as a powerful solution for industrial operations and geothermal power plants
Climeon has also secured a 2.5 MEUR HeatPower 300 order with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD-HHI), the world’s foremost shipbuilder, for Maersk Container Vessels. These state-of-the-art vessels come with dual-fuel engines optimised for green methanol. With Climeon’s cutting-edge marine waste heat recovery technology, they aim to reduce onboard fuel consumption for the eco-friendly fleet. Delivery of the HeatPower systems to HD-HHI’s South Korean shipyard is slated for 2024. This partnership underscores Climeon’s significant stride forward and highlights the marine industry’s progressive shift, given the stature and influence of HD-HHI and Maersk in the maritime sector.
While the initial focus of the HeatPower 300 is geared towards the maritime and industrial manufacturing markets, the company’s vision extends far beyond these horizons. As it propels forward, Climeon continues to embody the dynamic synergy of environmental stewardship and technological innovation, shaping the course of sustainable energy generation.
