Cooling Production from Waste Heat

What is Waste Heat?

In traditional energy systems, waste heat is usually lost. The process of its efficient utilization begins with the production of electricity, and the heat generated in this process is used to support industrial processes and provide domestic hot water. The waste heat is then used to power absorption chillers, which are crucial for supporting production processes and maintaining appropriate temperature conditions in industrial halls. By using the heat to evaporate the refrigerant fluid, absorption chillers provide efficient cooling without the additional electricity consumption required by traditional compressor chillers.

The absorption process in trigeneration technology involves using waste heat to drive absorption chillers. The waste heat, typically of relatively low energy value, is used to evaporate the refrigerant fluid in the absorption system. The steam generated during this process is then absorbed by the absorbent solution, which produces cold water or another refrigerant fluid. This process allows for efficient cooling with minimal electricity consumption, further reducing operating costs and increasing the overall energy efficiency of the system.

Benefits for Industry

The production of cooling from waste heat significantly increases energy efficiency, reduces operating costs, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, integrating these technologies enhances the reliability of energy systems, which is crucial for the continuity of industrial processes.

• Increased energy efficiency - producing cooling from waste heat in the absorption process allows for the efficient use of waste thermal energy, significantly increasing the overall energy efficiency of industrial systems.
• Savings in operating costs - installing a waste heat recovery system in industry can lead to a substantial reduction in energy-related operating costs. Typically, at least 65% of this energy can be converted into cooling energy. For instance, in a medium-sized industrial company where a waste heat source generating an annual loss of 500 MWh of energy has been identified, savings can amount to up to PLN 200,000 per year.
• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - integrating various energy processes into a single system significantly reduces the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, supporting sustainable development goals.
• Increased Reliability - producing cooling from waste heat through the absorption process offers greater reliability than traditional energy systems, which is crucial for the uninterrupted operation of industrial processes.

Application in Various Industries

This technology is particularly beneficial in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, paper, and steel industries, where there is a high demand for the simultaneous supply of electricity, heat, and cooling. It also finds applications in the textile and plastics processing sectors.

The Importance of an Energy Audit

Before implementing a system for the production of cooling from waste heat, it is crucial to conduct an energy audit. The audit confirms the feasibility of the installation, determines the expected savings, and adapts the project to the specific conditions of the industrial plant.

Producing cooling from waste heat through the absorption process not only increases energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also brings significant financial savings. Thanks to this technology, industries can reduce operating costs, positively impact the environment, and meet the requirements of sustainable development. Absorption technology in trigeneration ensures energy stability and sustainability, offering businesses significant benefits in many aspects.