What Is RANK® and How Does It Work?
RANK® equipment is based on the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology. It’s a clever system that combines electrical energy and useful heat production by tapping into low-temperature heat sources. Think waste heat, renewable sources, or even ambient air. The magic here? It’s all about turning what would normally be lost energy into something valuable, with both economic and environmental perks. So, it’s not just about saving energy—it’s about making energy work smarter.
Main Benefits of RANK® Technology
Why is RANK® catching attention? Here’s the lowdown:
- Uses low-temperature heat sources, including waste heat and renewables.
- Produces high-temperature renewable heating starting from 100 °C.
- High Coefficient of Performance (COP) between 3 and 4—meaning it’s super efficient.
- Small electricity input needed compared to fossil fuel burners.
- Offers significant environmental and economic benefits.
Exploring RANK® High Temperature Heat Pumps
Rank® HTHP equipment is pretty fascinating. It takes low temperature heat—whether it’s waste heat, renewable sources, or just the air around us—and boosts it up to high temperature renewable heating, starting at 100 °C. What’s cool is that it does this with only a small amount of electricity. Compared to traditional fossil fuel burners, this tech really shines by delivering a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) between 3 and 4. That means more heat for less energy, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Applications of RANK® ORC Modules
Where does RANK® fit in the real world? Quite a few places, actually. The technology is especially useful for waste heat recovery and tapping into renewable heat sources. It’s a natural fit for cogeneration and trigeneration systems, where both electricity and heat are needed. Whether it’s in industrial settings or commercial buildings, RANK® modules help boost overall system performance and efficiency.
Heat Sources and Product Range
One of the best things about RANK® is its versatility. Whatever heat source you have, there’s likely a RANK® module that fits the bill. The product range covers different thermal and power needs, making it adaptable for various projects. From small-scale setups to larger industrial applications, RANK® machines can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Plus, the company offers turnkey installations and custom designs to match the unique demands of each project.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to RANK®
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by promoting renewable heat and efficient energy use.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through advanced cogeneration and trigeneration systems.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by recovering waste heat and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – lowering greenhouse gas emissions with cleaner technology.
Real-World Examples and References
Even though RANK® technology is relatively new, it’s already making waves internationally. There are several application cases across different countries, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of the ORC modules. Some notable examples include biomass cogeneration in tertiary buildings and the agri-food industry, as well as industrial waste heat recovery projects. In Spain, for instance, multiple installations focus on waste heat and heating solutions, proving the technology’s practical benefits. Plus, RANK® stays active in the cleantech community, participating in events like the Cleantech Forum Europe, TECNALIA, and the Symposium SEEP, keeping the innovation momentum going.
