Fraunhofer Develops Steam-Based Industrial Drying to Cut Energy Use and Emissions
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Materials Science (IGB), in collaboration with industrial partners, has developed a new method for industrial drying processes. It replaces fossil fuel-heated hot air with superheated steam, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Materials Science (IGB), working with industrial partners, have devised a new approach to industrial drying processes aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from energy-intensive and climate-impacting operations.
Traditionally, industrial drying relies on hot air, often heated by fossil fuels like natural gas. This method is both energy-demanding and a significant source of CO2 emissions. Fraunhofer IGB's new method replaces hot air with superheated steam. The system also incorporates a heat pump and intelligent control, enabling the process to be electrified and utilize renewable electricity.
The new method, part of the LowCarbDry project, aims to reduce the energy required for drying by a factor of 2 to 4 compared to conventional hot air techniques. This is achieved through a closed process gas circuit that minimizes heat loss. Using superheated steam eliminates the need to burn natural gas, thereby preventing direct CO2 emissions. The heat generated during steam condensation (approximately 90-100°C) can be recovered for use in other processes or fed into a local heating network.
Fraunhofer IGB is collaborating with Evonik Operations GmbH and Pergande Group on the development and piloting of this method. The objective is to achieve sector coupling by transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable electricity. While the original press release mentions Fraunhofer IGB, this article refers to its parent organization, the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, for contextual clarity.