The concept of waste heat recovery
The concept of waste heat recovery is based on the understanding
that many industrial processes and power generation systems
generate a significant amount of heat as a byproduct. This excess
heat can be found in the form of hot gases, exhaust streams,
cooling water, or other sources, depending on the specific
application.
Waste heat recovery systems
Waste heat recovery systems typically consist of heat exchangers,
which are used to transfer heat from the waste stream to a
secondary fluid or medium. The transferred heat can then be used
for various purposes, such as preheating combustion air, heating
water, generating steam, or powering turbines to produce
electricity.
Some common examples of waste heat
recovery applications include:
1.
Industrial Processes: Waste heat generated in industries such
as steel manufacturing, cement production, chemical
processing, and oil refining can be captured and utilized to
generate steam or produce electricity, reducing the need for
additional energy inputs.
2.
Power Generation: In thermal power plants, where steam is
used to drive turbines and generate electricity, waste heat
recovery systems can be employed to capture the heat from
the exhaust gases and convert it into additional power. This
approach is known as combined heat and power (CHP) or
cogeneration.
3.
Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery: In automotive and marine engines,
as well as large-scale gas turbines, waste heat recovery systems
can be used to recover heat from the exhaust gases and
convert it into mechanical or electrical energy, improving
overall efficiency.
4.
Buildings and District Heating: Waste heat from heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as
other building processes, can be recovered and used for space
heating, water heating, or to support district heating systems.
The benefits of waste heat recovery include increased energy
efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower greenhouse gas
emissions. By utilizing waste heat, industries and power plants can
decrease their reliance on fossil fuels and minimize their
environmental impact.
Waste heat recovery
Waste heat recovery refers to the process of capturing and utilizing excess heat generated as a byproduct of various industrial processes, electrical
generation, or other sources, which would otherwise be wasted and released into the environment. This waste heat can be harnessed and
converted into useful forms of energy, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
