Smarter Heat Management: Integrating Heat Pumps in Industrial Facilities

Industrial operations today face growing pressure to reduce energy costs, cut emissions, and meet sustainability targets. Heat pumps have emerged as a smart, scalable solution—capable of providing both heating and cooling by reversing the refrigeration cycle. Unlike traditional systems that burn fossil fuels, heat pumps use electricity to move heat, offering a more efficient and environmentally responsible alternative.

But what if your facility already has a complex heating or cooling infrastructure in place? The good news: with the right planning and approach, industrial heat pumps can be integrated into many existing systems—without the need to overhaul your entire operation.

Unlocking the Benefits of Heat Pumps in Industry

Integrating heat pumps into industrial systems offers compelling advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Berg heat pumps deliver high performance using relatively low-cost hydroelectric power, particularly in regions like Quebec or British Columbia. By recovering and reusing waste heat, facilities can drastically reduce their fuel consumption and utility costs.
• Lower Emissions: Our systems help companies reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting decarbonization goals.
• Custom Engineering: Berg heat pumps are highly adaptable, capable of producing hot water, hot air, steam, or direct material heating based on your operational needs.
• Dual-Purpose Systems: One system can serve both heating and cooling needs, streamlining infrastructure and improving year-round process efficiency.
• Incentives: Many provinces and utility companies offer grants or rebates for facilities investing in heat pump technology or energy-efficiency retrofits.

Berg’s custom-engineered industrial heat pump systems are built to meet modern industrial needs—turning waste heat into usable energy while improving both sustainability and profitability.

Assessing Compatibility: Things need to know before installing a Heat Pump

Before integrating a heat pump, it’s essential to evaluate your facility’s needs and technical parameters. Key factors to consider include:

• Process Requirements: What temperatures and flow rates are needed? Berg heat pumps are ideal for low to medium-temperature processes.
• Existing Infrastructure: Our heat pumps can connect to existing hot water loops, HVAC systems, or industrial circuits—whether for heating, cooling, or both.
• Electrical Load Capacity: Ensure your electrical service can support the compressor and auxiliary components.
• Available Space: Consider physical layout for outdoor units and mechanical room access for maintenance.
• Control Integration: Berg systems are designed for seamless connection with your existing process controls or BMS, offering centralized and automated operation.

Integration Approaches: How to get started

Berg supports a variety of implementation strategies tailored to your facility’s readiness and goals:

• Pilot Projects: Start small with a single unit to recover waste heat or support existing heating loads. This allows you to validate performance and savings before scaling up.
• Hybrid Systems: Pair a Berg heat pump with your current boiler, chiller, or heating loop. This setup reduces fossil fuel use and provides operational redundancy.
• Full Retrofit: For facilities with stable, compatible heating demands, Berg can design a complete heat pump system to replace traditional heating infrastructure.
• Modular Expansion: Our heat pump systems can be configured as a series of interconnected units, offering scalability, load balancing, and higher efficiency in larger operations.

Best Practices for a Smooth Heat Pump Adoption

• Engage Experts Early: Work with Berg’s engineering team from the start to ensure proper sizing, layout, and system compatibility.
• Leverage Funding Programs: Take advantage of government or utility energy audits and grants to offset project costs.
• Train Operators: Equip your operators and maintenance staff with the knowledge to operate and monitor the new system effectively.
• Monitor and Optimize: Berg systems include integration options for real-time monitoring, helping you fine-tune operations and maximize efficiency.

Real-World Impact: Smarter Heat Management with Industrial Heat Pumps

At Berg, we’ve seen firsthand how industrial heat pumps can transform energy use, improve reliability, and reduce emissions. Whether supplementing a boiler or replacing outdated thermal infrastructure, our systems are designed to deliver measurable performance and long-term value.

In 2024, Berg partnered with ATIS Technologies to deliver a custom high-temperature heat pump system for a Canadian meat processor committed to sustainable production practices. This project exemplifies Berg’s capability to design and implement heat pump systems tailored to specific industrial needs, ensuring both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

Unlock the Benefits of Industrial Heat Pumps with Berg

Integrating a heat pump into your existing system doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. With the right strategy, you can unlock year-round, efficient heating and cooling while advancing your facility’s environmental and cost-reduction goals.

With over 50 years of experience in industrial thermal systems, Berg is a trusted partner in designing and delivering innovative, high-performance solutions. Whether you're exploring a pilot project or planning a full-scale conversion, we’re here to help you identify the best path forward. Contact Berg today to discuss your application and discover the best solution for your facility.