Waste Heat Streams – What Area They and How Can They be Used?
Waste heat streams are the energy that is being discarded to the environment and can come from many sources. They are created when energy is added to a process or equipment for heating purposes. Waste heat streams can take many forms, including building and equipment heat loss, process exhaust streams, process cooling fluids, and heated product.
Common Sources of Waste Heat
There are many sources of waste heat that can be used for energy recovery. These include air conditioning compressors, commercial refrigeration exhausts, beverage sterilizing, baking and drying ovens, aluminum and steel melting furnaces, glass melting furnaces, hydrogen plants, solid waste incinerators, fume incinerators, steam boiler exhausts, cement and limestone kilns, reciprocating engine exhausts, gas turbine exhausts, asphalt paving mix, heat treating furnaces, drying and baking ovens, catalytic crackers, annealing furnace cooling systems, and cooling water from furnace doors, bearings, welders, injection molding machines, annealing furnaces, air conditioners, forming dies, air compressors, and pumps.
Measuring the Energy Content of Waste Heat Streams
To determine the energy content of waste heat streams, measures are often needed such as flow meters, thermocouples, infrared thermometers, and flue gas analysis equipment. Additionally, operating hours should be monitored to perform an energy balance. A waste heat survey worksheet is also useful to identify, list, and compare different sources of waste heat in a plant.
Using Waste Heat Streams for Energy Recovery
Waste heat streams can be used for energy recovery. This involves capturing the energy and using it to power other processes. This can help to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency. Additionally, using waste heat streams can also help to reduce carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of a process or equipment.
Conclusion
Waste heat streams are a valuable source of energy that can be used for energy recovery. There are many sources of waste heat that can be used and they can take many forms. To determine the energy content of a waste heat stream, measures such as flow meters, thermocouples, infrared thermometers, and flue gas analysis equipment may be needed. Additionally, operating hours should be monitored to perform an energy balance. Capturing and using waste heat streams for energy recovery can help to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency as well as reduce carbon emissions and environmental.
Waste Heat Recovery: A Methodical Approach to Improve Process Energy Consumption
Waste heat recovery is a method of improving the energy efficiency of a process by capturing and utilizing the heat that would otherwise be wasted. By recovering this heat, fuel savings and pollution control can be achieved, resulting in improved process energy consumption. To get the most out of waste heat recovery, it is important to follow a methodical approach.
Identifying Potential Sources of Waste Heat
The first step in recovering waste heat is to identify potential sources. This may include exhaust gas streams from boilers, furnaces, and other thermal equipment. It is important to ensure that the source of waste heat is compatible with the application.
Evaluating the Heat Content of Waste Heat Sources
Once the source of waste heat has been identified, the heat content must be evaluated. This can be done by measuring the temperature, flow rate, and composition of the waste heat stream. This information will help to determine the total energy recovered and the cost savings potential of the waste heat.
Determining Possible Applications for Waste Heat
The next step is to determine the possible applications for the waste heat. This could include preheating combustion air, feed water, or makeup fluid. It is important to stay within the equipment or process to ensure common operating times and demands, and minimize distances and heat losses.
Matching Waste Heat Sources to the Right Application
Once the application has been identified, it is important to match the waste heat sources to the appropriate application. This will help to ensure that the equipment costs are minimized.
Selecting a Method for Heat Recovery
Now that the application has been identified, a method of heat recovery must be selected. This will include selecting the type of equipment to be used and the configuration of the heat recovery system. It is important to consider the energy and cost savings potential of the waste heat when selecting a method.
Developing a Budget Cost Estimate
Once a method of heat recovery has been selected, a budget cost estimate must be developed. This should include the cost of the heat exchangers and any additional auxiliary equipment, as well as installation and maintenance costs.
Estimating Return on Investment
Using the estimated energy and cost savings, an estimate of the return on investment can be calculated. If the estimated payback period is less than four years, the project can proceed to the next step. If the payback period is between four and six years, a reconsideration of the options should be considered. If the payback period is greater than six years, the project may not be attractive unless there are other significant benefits.
Performing a Detailed Study and Analysis
Once the initial financial attractiveness has been determined, a more detailed study and analysis must be performed. This will include obtaining more information about the load changes, temperature variations with time, and seasonal variations in operation conditions. It will also include chemical analysis and gas moisture content measurements.
Testing and Monitoring
Testing and monitoring of the equipment and waste heat system should be performed before and after installation to ensure that the project is a success. This will help to determine the overall success of the project and provide guidelines for future projects.