Innovations in industrial waste heat recovery

According to new research from Frost & Sullivan, the three most common industrial waste heat management options are recycling within the same heating system, recovery of the waste heat to be used in other systems within the same plant, and converting the waste heat to power. Of the three processes, converting waste heat to power will be the most preferred option in the future. Furthermore, innovations in waste heat recovery will emphasise on the recovery of low-grade waste heat.

"Thermoelectric generators are expected to be the most sought after waste heat recovery technique, although much research is necessary before large-scale uptake is possible," said Technical Insights Research Analyst, Lekshmy Ravi. "The high growth of thermoelectric generators will also boost the utilisation of low grade waste heat."

The scope for industrial waste heat recovery is huge, and particularly promising in the Asia-Pacific region, which is a major manufacturing hub. The cement and glass manufacturing industries have been indentified as potential forerunners for adoption of this technology. However, there are challenges limiting the implementation of industrial waste heat recovery technologies, including high capital investment, a long payback period, maintenance and safety requirements. Industries must be educated on the benefits of this technology, and supportive government policies and incentives will go a long way in enabling the widespread use of waste heat recovery.

"Industries with high energy intensity, which have customised solutions readily available, are likely to deploy waste heat management to a greater extent," said Ravi. "Other sectors will initially incorporate technologies with a low capital and short payback period as the first step towards incorporation of waste heat recovery."

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/13012015/innovations-in-industrial-waste-heat-recovery-127/