Continuing Education Course «Industrial heat pumps»

Industrial heat pumps and high-temperature heat pumps are becoming increasingly important in many industrial sectors as a means to replace fossil fuels for generating process heat in the range of 90 to 150°C. Although these heat pumps are partially available on the market, their adoption has been slow. Practical implementation still faces uncertainties such as optimal temperature conditions, the design of the heat pump cycle, and integration into the production process. This course aims to provide clarity.

The «Industrial Heat Pumps» continuing education program, designed by the Institute for Energy Systems (IES), is structured as a four-day course. The first two days focus on theoretical instruction in group settings. On the first day, after a general overview, economic aspects are discussed. This day is also suitable for decision-makers who primarily want an overview of the market situation without delving too deeply into technical details. The second day covers technical aspects, technology, and the integration of high-temperature heat pumps. On the third day, participants have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge in small groups within the IES laboratory facilities, gaining hands-on experience with various lab setups. The fourth day features an excursion to industrial sites where participants can observe the application of industrial heat pumps in real-world environments.

This continuing education course facilitates direct interaction with experts. Participants can gain experience with high-temperature heat pumps and build a network with fellow course attendees.

At a Glance

Completion
Certificate of Continuing Education from OST

Focus Areas
Day 1
Module 1: General Overview
Module 2: Economic Viability and Market

Day 2
Module 3: Technology
Module 4: Integration and Case Studies

Day 3
Practical Training in the Laboratory (Lab Modules I-IV)

Day 4
Excursion

Duration
1 to 4 days, each from 8:30 to 16:00

Costs
CHF 600.- per course day, incl. meals, documentation, and certificate of participation
CHF 2000.- für 4 course days, incl. meals, documentation, and certificate of participation

Location
1^st to 3^rd day: Campus Buchs
Day 4: Excursion in the Zurich area

Online participation is possible on Day 1 and Day 2.

Dates:

In German:
Day 1: September 1, 2025
Day 2: September 2, 2025
Day 3: September 22, 2025
Day 4: September 23, 2025

In English:
Day 1: April 23, 2026
Day 2: April 24, 2026
Day 3: October 1, 2026
Day 4: October 2, 2026

Content and Instructors

Theoretical Modules

Module 1: General Overview, Instructor Daniel Gstöhl

Energy Situation and Perspective
Energy Costs
Process Heat
How Heat Pumps Work

Module 2: Market and Economic Viability, Instructor Stefan Bertsch

Technology, Products and Producers
State of Research
Investment Costs and Amortisation
Subsidy Programmes

Module 3: Technology, Instructor Leon Brendel

Thermodynamics: p-h- and T-s-diagrams, Cycles
Refrigerant, Compressors, Oils
Heat Sources and Sinks
Modelling
Alternative Technologies

Module 4: Integration and Case Studies, Instructor Cordin Arpagaus

Implementation Strategy
Data Collection
Pinch Analysis
Practical Examples

Lab Modules

I Components, Flammable Gasses

II Refrigerant, Refrigerant and Oil, Critical Pressure

III High-Temperature Heat Pump in operation

IV Steam Heat Pump, Control System, WPZ Tour, Field Measurements

Excursions

Visit to companies in the Zurich area to see industrial heat pump applications.

Target Audience

The continuing education course is aimed at energy managers in large companies and relevant SMEs, planners and energy consultants, energy suppliers and energy contractors, plant engineers, heat pump manufacturers and distributors (including those of fossil fuel heat generators), and suppliers in the energy sector.