Restvärmekällor

Restvärmekällor, often translated as waste heat sources, refer to heat that is generated as a byproduct of industrial processes, energy production, or other activities and is not utilized for its intended purpose. This discarded thermal energy can be a significant resource that, if captured and reused, can lead to improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Industries such as manufacturing, power generation, and data centers are common producers of waste heat. For example, the exhaust from furnaces, the heat released from cooling systems in power plants, or the heat generated by servers in a data center all represent forms of waste heat. These heat sources can vary widely in temperature, from low-grade heat (below 100°C) to high-grade heat (above 300°C).

The recovery of waste heat can be achieved through various technologies. Heat exchangers are fundamental in transferring heat from one medium to another. Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) can convert low-grade heat into electricity. Absorption chillers can use waste heat to provide cooling. In some cases, waste heat can be directly used for space heating or industrial preheating.

The utilization of restvärmekällor offers numerous benefits. It reduces the need for primary energy input, thereby lowering operational costs. It also contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, recovering waste heat can improve the overall thermodynamic efficiency of processes, leading to a more sustainable energy system.