A Sustainable Resource from Industrial Waste Heat
Surplus heat, often called industrial waste heat, is the excess thermal energy produced by industrial processes that would otherwise be released into the environment. This valuable resource can be efficiently utilized in district heating or cooling systems, providing significant environmental and economic benefits.
What is the Use of Excess Heat?
Excess heat is an energy surplus from industrial processes that can be utilized in district heating systems. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, cuts consumer heating costs, and provides additional industry revenue. By capturing and repurposing this heat, it enhances energy efficiency and sustainability.
The Value of Surplus Heat
Environmental Impact
Utilizing surplus heat helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating purposes, thus decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. When district heating companies incorporate surplus heat from industrial plants, Waste-to-Energy facilities, or combined heat and power (CHP) systems, they significantly reduce fuel consumption and electricity usage.
This leads to a lower carbon footprint and helps in mitigating climate change. Also, society will need less fuel-based electricity production and heat production capacity, replaced by surplus heat sources, which will benefit society in general, saving investment costs.
Important: Surplus heat from industry and Waste-to-Energy can only be utilized by establishing a district heating network. Otherwise, it would be wasted.
Economic Benefits
Cost Savings for Consumers: Using surplus heat can lower heating costs. Surplus heat is generally cheaper than heat from traditional fuel sources or electricity. This cost-efficiency translates to reduced heating bills for households and businesses connected to the district heating network.
Increased Profit for Industries: Industries that produce surplus heat can sell it to district heating companies, creating an additional revenue stream. This financial incentive encourages industries to participate in surplus heat recovery initiatives, fostering a collaborative approach to energy efficiency.
Integrating Surplus Heat into District Heating Systems
Collaboration with Utility Companies
Vestforbraending, district heating utility in Glostrup, DK @Jesper Larsen
Where industrial or commercial buildings are located near a thermal grid, collaborating with local utility companies can optimize the use of surplus heat. This partnership benefits both parties: utility companies gain access to a cost-effective heat source and industries profit from selling their excess heat.
District heating systems are one of the most effective ways to utilize surplus heat. This can also effectively happen with surplus heat from Power-to-X and carbon capture processes and significantly enhance the sustainability and efficiency of these technologies.
Integrating surplus heat from Power-to-X and carbon capture processes into district heating systems and thermal energy storage can reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a more resilient energy system as we move towards a low-carbon future.
The strategic use of surplus heat will be crucial in maximizing the benefits of innovative energy technologies.
- Integration with P2X: The waste heat from electrolysis can be fed directly into district heating systems, reducing the need for additional fuel sources.
- Integration with CCS: The surplus heat from CO₂ capture processes can also be integrated, providing a steady heat supply to the network.
Read the interesting article “Utilizing Surplus Heat from P-to-X and Carbon Capture”.
Surplus Heat Exchangers
Efficient Heat Transfer: Surplus heat exchangers are essential components in integrating surplus heat into district heating systems. They facilitate the efficient transfer of heat from industrial processes to the district heating network, ensuring minimal energy loss and maximum efficiency.
Types of Surplus Heat Exchangers: Various types of heat exchangers can be used, including plate heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, and air-to-water heat exchangers. The choice depends on the specific requirements of the industrial process and the district heating system.
Read more about types of heat exchangers.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Denmark: A Leader in Surplus Heat Utilization
Denmark is a pioneer in using surplus heat for district heating. The country has successfully integrated surplus heat from multiple sources, including industrial plants, CHP systems, and data centers, into its district heating networks. This approach has significantly reduced Denmark’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowered consumer heating costs.
Read about the case of Hjoerring Municipality.
Industrial Symbiosis in Kalundborg
In Kalundborg, Denmark, an industrial symbiosis model has been implemented. In this model, waste heat from one company is used by another, creating a closed-loop system that maximizes resource efficiency. This model has proven highly effective in reducing waste and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
Read more about the industrial symbiosis in Kalundborg.
“Surplus heating or cooling from, e.g., the industry is often wasted but is a precious resource that can efficiently be utilized in a district heating or cooling system.”
Future Prospects for Using Surplus Heat
Policy Support and Incentives
Governments can provide policy support and financial incentives to further encourage the adoption of surplus heat recovery. Subsidies for installing surplus heat exchangers, tax breaks for industries participating in surplus heat recovery, and grants for district heating infrastructure development can significantly boost the uptake of this sustainable practice.
Technological Advancements
Advancements in heat exchanger technology and improved heat recovery systems will enhance the efficiency of surplus heat utilization. Innovations such as high-temperature heat pumps and advanced thermal storage solutions will play a crucial role in the future of district heating.
Conclusion
Surplus heat represents a significant opportunity for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. By integrating surplus heat into district heating systems, we can achieve substantial cost savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and foster a more sustainable energy future. Collaborative efforts between industries, utility companies, and policymakers are essential to fully realize the potential of surplus heat as a valuable energy resource.
John Tang Jensen has contributed to the creation of this article.
Read about John Tang Jensen and his Hot|Cool articles.