In the quest for sustainable energy, industrial heat has remained a substantial challenge. This sector, encompassing industries such as brewing, food processing, chemical manufacturing, and paper production, has long relied on fossil fuels for thermal energy. The traditional method of generating heat through combustion is deeply entrenched, making the transition to greener alternatives a daunting task. However, emerging technologies and innovative startups are beginning to reshape this landscape, offering promising solutions that harness electricity to generate high-temperature heat.
Companies like Rondo, Antora, and Fourth Power are at the forefront of this movement, developing methods that utilize renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. These innovators heat specialized bricks to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit, storing the thermal energy for future use. This approach not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also capitalizes on the increasingly cost-effective nature of renewable energy. For instance, a recent report highlights that the cost of solar energy has plummeted by over 80% in the past decade, making it an attractive option for industrial applications.
Another notable advancement is the development of industrial-scale heat pumps, which are particularly effective for applications requiring moderate heat, such as those in the food and beverage industries. New Belgium Brewing, a well-known brewery, recently committed to installing a 650-kilowatt heat pump boiler from AtmosZero at its facility in Colorado. This shift signifies a broader trend among manufacturers to embrace electric heating solutions, thus reducing their carbon footprints.
Enter Karman Industries, a startup that has operated under the radar until recently. Karman is aiming to revolutionize the heat pump market by drawing inspiration from aerospace technology. Co-founder and CEO David Tearse has described their heat pump technology as akin to a Raptor rocket engine, emphasizing its capabilities in speed, pressure, and temperature. This comparison is not merely rhetorical; it reflects Karman’s commitment to leveraging advanced engineering concepts typically reserved for high-stakes aerospace applications in the realm of industrial heating.
What sets Karman apart is its use of turbomachinery in its heat pumps. Unlike conventional compressors found in standard heat pumps, Karman’s design employs high-speed turbomachinery, which is traditionally used in rocket fuel systems. This innovation allows Karman to achieve higher efficiencies within a compact design. For example, their largest compressor will occupy a footprint of just eight feet in length and six feet in diameter, a significant reduction compared to existing systems that may require larger installations. Additionally, Karman’s technology eliminates the need for oil, simplifying both the design and maintenance processes.
Despite the advantages of heat pumps, they typically face limitations in raising temperatures to levels required by many industrial processes. Traditionally, achieving the necessary heat involves stringing multiple compressors together, each contributing to the overall temperature lift. This method can increase both costs and complexity. Karman, however, claims it can achieve the same temperature increases with fewer stages—just one or two compressors, compared to the five or six required by conventional systems. This streamlined approach could lead to significant operational savings for businesses looking to adopt these technologies.
Karman Industries is not just a concept but is backed by a team with substantial experience in the field. Co-founder Chiranjeev (CJ) Kalra previously held significant roles in companies focused on industrial heat solutions, while Tearse brings experience from aviation technology. Their combined expertise has attracted investment, including a $4 million pre-seed round led by Riot Ventures, underscoring the confidence investors have in Karman’s potential to disrupt the market.
As the company prepares to launch its first model, Thermal01, in the coming years, Tearse expresses optimism about its cost competitiveness with natural gas in select regions and applications. A pilot installation is anticipated for the first half of 2026, and its success could signal a pivotal moment in the transition from fossil fuels to electric heating solutions in industrial settings.
The urgency for sustainable industrial heating solutions cannot be overstated. As governments worldwide push for decarbonization and industries face increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, innovations like those being developed by Karman and its peers are essential. By harnessing the power of electricity and advanced engineering, these companies are laying the groundwork for a future where industrial processes can operate efficiently and sustainably, marking a significant step toward a greener economy.