Heat recovery systems
Learn more about heat recovery systems and their use in industry. Our team will explain to you how they work and what types there are. Save costs and protect the environment by purchasing a heat recovery system.
Advantages of heat recovery systems
​Energy saving: Heat recovery systems use waste heat from industrial processes or heating systems and convert it into usable energy. This leads to a significant reduction in energy consumption and therefore also energy costs.​
Environmental Protection: The efficient use of waste heat reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This contributes to climate protection and helps reduce environmental pollution.
​Cost efficiency: Installing heat recovery systems is worthwhile in the long term because the energy saved offsets the investment costs. In addition, the use of waste heat can also reduce the need for additional heating or cooling systems, enabling further cost savings.​
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Resource conservation: The efficient use of waste heat helps conserve natural resources because less primary energy is required. This is particularly important because many energy sources are limited and their use has significant environmental impacts.
​Improved energy efficiency: Heat recovery systems can help improve the energy efficiency of buildings or industrial processes. This is not only advantageous from an ecological point of view, but also from an economic point of view, as companies can benefit from government subsidies or tax relief.​
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels: Since heat recovery systems help reduce energy consumption, it can also reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This is an important step towards a more sustainable energy supply.​
Flexibility: Heat recovery systems can be designed in different sizes and types to meet the specific needs of buildings or industrial processes. This makes them a flexible solution to increase energy efficiency.
How heat recovery systems work
Heat recovery systems are systems designed to use the waste heat generated in processes instead of releasing it into the environment without being used. By effectively using this waste heat, energy costs can be reduced and environmental impact reduced.
Heat recovery systems are used in various areas, such as in industrial plants or ventilation systems in buildings.
The way heat recovery systems work can vary depending on the application, but in general they follow the same principle:
Capture of waste heat: The system captures the waste heat generated by various processes that would otherwise be released unused into the environment. This can be done, for example, by using heat exchangers that absorb heat from exhaust air, exhaust gases or cooling systems.
Heat transfer: The heat absorbed is transferred to another medium, for example water or air, using heat exchangers.
Use of the heat energy obtained: The heat energy transferred can now be used for various purposes. In industrial plants, for example, the heat obtained can be used to heat other processes or generate steam. In buildings, the heat can be used for space heating, hot water preparation or for heating the supply air in ventilation systems.
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Return of the cooled medium: After the heat energy has been transferred to the other medium, the cooled medium (e.g. water or air) is returned to the process or the environment. This cycle can be repeated continuously, improving the efficiency of the system.
Energy efficiency of heat recovery systems
The energy efficiency of heat recovery systems is an important factor in reducing energy costs and reducing CO2 emissions. Heat recovery systems harness heat that would otherwise be lost, for example from industrial processes or building ventilation, and use it to heat water or air.
In heat exchangers, heat is transferred from one medium to another without the two media coming into direct contact with each other. The efficiency of heat exchangers depends on various factors, such as the type of heat exchanger, the temperature difference between the media and the materials used. As a rule, the efficiency of heat exchangers is between 50 and 90%.
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To increase the energy efficiency of heat recovery systems, the following measures can be taken:
Maintenance and cleaning of the systems in order to maintain their performance and avoid possible leaks.
Use of insulation materials and insulation to minimize heat loss.
Optimization of control and regulation systems in order to operate the systems more efficiently and in line with needs.
Integration of heat recovery systems into an intelligent energy management system that optimizes energy consumption and energy production.
Maintenance and repair of heat recovery systems
To ensure that heat recovery systems work efficiently and reliably, regular maintenance and servicing is essential. The maintenance and repair of heat recovery systems depends on the type of system and the operating conditions and generally includes the following activities:
Inspection: Regular inspection of the system is important in order to identify and correct possible problems at an early stage. This includes checking the pipes, heat exchangers, fans, filters and control systems.
Cleaning: Thorough cleaning of the system components, especially the heat exchanger but also other components that may be used such as filters, helps to maintain the efficiency of the system and extend the service life of the system. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow and affect system performance.
Inspection and Adjustment of Control Systems: The facility's control systems should be periodically inspected and, if necessary, adjusted to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Leak testing: All connections and seals should be checked for leaks and damage to ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently.
Checking work machines (e.g. fans): All work machines should be checked for correct function and possible signs of wear. If necessary, they should be cleaned, repaired or replaced.
Heat exchanger maintenance: The heat exchangers should be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure optimal heat exchange.
Maintenance work: Damage or wear to components such as piping, fans, heat exchangers, seals and control systems should be repaired or replaced to maintain the performance and life of the system.
Conclusion
- Energy savings from commissioning
- Environmental protection by reducing CO2 emissions
- Economic efficiency Payback after just a few years