Application of inorganic oxide/carbon dioxide reaction system to a chemical heat pump

A new chemical heat pump designed to utilize waste heat generated from high-temperature processes carried out at temperatures above 570 K is discussed. Inorganic oxide/carbon dioxide reaction systems were surveyed experimentally, and the lead oxide/carbon dioxide reaction system was found to be a suitable reaction system for the heat pump. A mechanical driving type and a thermal driving type of heat pump using the reaction are proposed. This system proved feasible at operating temperatures above 570 K and was durable enough to withstand numerous reaction cycles. An empirical reaction rate equation for the carbonation of lead oxide, which is an important process in the operation of the heat pump, is proposed. Using the rate equation, feasibility of the mechanical driving type heat pump using this reaction system was demonstrated numerically