Avfallsvärme

Avfallsvärme refers to the heat energy that is released as a byproduct of various industrial processes, energy production, and waste incineration. This heat, if not captured and utilized, is typically dissipated into the environment, representing a wasted energy resource. The concept of avfallsvärme recovery focuses on capturing this otherwise lost heat and putting it to beneficial use.

Common sources of avfallsvärme include power plants, manufacturing facilities such as steelworks and paper mills, data centers, and wastewater treatment plants. Waste incineration, in particular, is a significant source where the combustion of municipal solid waste generates substantial amounts of heat.

The recovered avfallsvärme can be used in several ways. One of the most prevalent applications is in district heating systems, where the heat is transported through a network of underground pipes to warm homes and buildings. It can also be used for industrial process heating, preheating combustion air, or even for generating electricity through technologies like organic Rankine cycles.

Utilizing avfallsvärme offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. It reduces the demand for primary energy sources, such as fossil fuels, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Economically, it can decrease operational costs for industries by reducing their energy expenses and can create new revenue streams through the sale of heat. The efficient management of avfallsvärme is a key component of sustainable energy strategies and the circular economy.