Copeland invests in thermo-acoustic heat pump
1st April 2025
USA: Copeland has invested in BlueHeart Energy, a Netherlands-based startup developing a novel thermo-acoustic-based heating technology.
BlueHeart Energy uses thermo-acoustics, a technique that involves creating sound waves in a closed circuit to generate heat and cold. While the technology is not new, it is being harnessed by BlueHeart to power heat pumps in residential buildings.
The company was founded in Alkmaar in late 2016 as a spin off from leading Dutch research organisation TNO, a worldwide expert in thermo acoustics.
BlueHeart’s thermo-acoustic technology is seen to have the potential to complement current compressor technologies with a compact design and quiet operation particularly suitable for smaller sized residences.
The BlueHeart unit comprises a sealed tubular circuit filled with helium at 60bar. It is said to work with every type of heat source at temperatures from -20ºC to +50ºC and sink temperatures of 7ºC to 80ºC.
Insisting that the technology complements Copeland’s scroll compressor portfolio, Copeland CEO Ross B Shuster said: “This investment will assist BlueHeart in taking their novel technology to commercial readiness and reinforces Copeland’s dedication to driving the global energy transition and delivering efficient, sustainable heating solutions worldwide.”
The level of investment has not been revealed but Copeland says it will support BlueHeart’s product development and market readiness efforts. This support will include assistance in design for manufacturing at scale, market insights, customer engagement strategies and access to established sales channels. These resources are aimed at accelerating technology development and commercial viability.
