‘Ultrasonic espresso’ made with cold water and high-frequency sound waves uses less energy than the traditional version – and taste tests show it’s just as good.
Dutch startup BlueHeart Energy is testing its thermoacoustic heat pump engine in residential settings, with a limited European launch expected in spring 2027, followed by gradual scaling. The system uses sound waves instead of refrigerants, aiming for quiet, flexible, low-maintenance heating suited especially for retrofits and renewable integration.
Saving up to 75% of energy by not heating the water is a minor benefit for home users or small coffee shops. But for companies making ready-to-drink coffee products at industrial scale, it could be very significant indeed.
I was going to say that my coffee machine runs off solar/battery so no use here but I’m certain a good majority of coffee shops are not running on solar or solar battery and this would be amazing
The first thing I thought of: The Hardcore Coffee Machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5OYQOyceoM
Second thing was:
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/23/thermoacoustic-heat-pumps-on-the-verge-of-commercial-breakthrough/
But back to the original article:
I was going to say that my coffee machine runs off solar/battery so no use here but I’m certain a good majority of coffee shops are not running on solar or solar battery and this would be amazing
Here’s hoping they can commercialise it
That heat pump is an interesting read. Thank you for the link.