Energy Recovery eBook
12 March, 2024
Using energy recovery is always the smart choice when you own and operate a compressor. Lear more on compressor heat recovery, its benefits, and its impressively wide range of applications.
Using waste heat for your industry’s efficiency
Waste heat is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs in various processes where energy is converted into useful work. Let’s delve into why it matters, and how we can harness it more effectively.
Waste heat management and utilization have been gaining more attention. Industries and societies strive to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Important to note: the adoption of waste heat management practices may vary. This depends on regional policies, industrial sectors, and the availability of suitable technologies.
More people recognize the importance of waste heat and are interested in using it for sustainable energy. This has led to a rise in its utilization. This sentiment spans various industries.
Reusing waste heat can offer significant benefits for energy efficiency and cost savings. The most suitable options for reusing waste heat in your specific case will depend on the following factors. These include the type of industrial processes you have, the temperature and quantity of waste heat generated, and the surrounding infrastructure. Several ways exist to effectively reuse waste heat in the industry, depending on the specific context and requirements of your operations.
Heat conversion examples
Here are some common options for reusing waste heat:
- Process heating
The excess heat generated can be repurposed for different heating processes within your industrial activities. For example, you can utilize the heat for preheating combustion air, heating water, or powering absorption chillers for cooling purposes. - Space Heating
You can use waste heat to heat office spaces, warehouses, or other indoor areas. This is useful if your facility requires space heating during colder months. - Water heating
Utilize waste heat to preheat water for various purposes. This includes cleaning, sanitation, or other industrial processes that require hot water. - District heating
If your facility is located near residential or commercial areas, you can consider integrating your waste heat into a district heating system. Extra heat can be used to warm nearby buildings, saving energy and money on heating and hot water. - Power Generation
Technologies such as Organic Rankine Cycle systems can transform waste heat with high temperatures into electrical energy. - Applications in Drying
Industries that require moisture elimination can utilize waste heat for drying purposes. Examples include food processing or paper production.
Innovative approaches are now allowing us to capture and repurpose this waste heat for amongst others, above stated uses. Industries are now looking to leverage waste heat for greater energy efficiency and sustainability.
Heat conversion systems
Various systems allow to convert this waste heat into usable heat for industrial processes.
- Energy Conversion Systems
Heat to Power or energy conversion systems are used to capture waste heat produced during power generation or industrial processes. These systems generate electricity and/or useful heat, maximizing overall energy efficiency. The waste heat is typically used for heating, cooling, or other industrial processes within the same facility. These systems can include, heat pumps, steam compressors, Organic Rankine Cycle, etc.. - Energy Recovery Systems
Industries often implement energy recovery systems to capture waste heat and transfer the waste heat to another medium, such as water or air, which can then be used for various other uses such as hot water for showers, pre-boiler feed water or heating purposes.
When using renewable energy to power systems alongside waste heat recovery and conversion it can enhance overall energy reliability and efficiency.
Industrial waste heat could no longer be an untapped resource. By embracing energy conversion systems, energy recovery, and renewable integration, we can transform waste heat into an asset.