Waste Heat Recovery System for Gas Generating Units

Waste Heat Recovery System for Gas Generating Units

Gas - generating units produce a significant amount of waste heat during their operation. A waste heat recovery system is designed to capture and utilize this waste heat, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the unit and reducing energy waste and operating costs.

Working Principle

The hot exhaust gases from the gas - generating unit enter the heat exchanger. As the exhaust gases pass through the heat exchanger, their heat is transferred to the working fluid through the heat - transfer surfaces of the exchanger. The working fluid absorbs the heat and its temperature rises. The heated working fluid is then routed to the end - use applications, such as heating systems, steam - generating systems, or industrial processes that require heat.

Applications of Recovered Waste Heat

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

In a CHP system, the waste heat recovered from the gas - generating unit is used for both power generation and heat supply. For example, the generated steam can be used to drive a steam turbine for additional electricity production, and the exhaust heat from the steam turbine can be used for space heating or hot water supply. This integrated approach significantly improves the overall energy conversion efficiency of the system and reduces energy costs.

Industrial Processes

Food Processing: The recovered waste heat can be used to heat water for cleaning, sterilization, or cooking processes. For example, in a canning factory, the waste heat can be used to heat the water for blanching vegetables or sterilizing canned goods.

Chemical Manufacturing: Many chemical reactions require heat input. The waste heat can be used to pre - heat reactants, maintain reaction temperatures, or provide heat for distillation and evaporation processes. For example, in a fertilizer manufacturing plant, the waste heat can be used to pre - heat the ammonia and carbon dioxide used in the urea - synthesis process.

Textile Industry: In textile manufacturing, waste heat can be used for dyeing, drying, and finishing processes. For example, the heated water or steam from the waste heat recovery system can be used to heat the dye baths or dry the textiles, reducing the need for separate heating equipment and energy consumption.

Building Heating and Cooling

The recovered waste heat can be used to heat buildings during the cold season. The heated water or steam can be circulated through radiators, under - floor heating systems, or heat pumps to provide space heating. In addition, in some cases, the waste heat can be used in absorption - cooling systems to provide cooling during the hot season. The principle of absorption - cooling is based on the absorption and desorption of a refrigerant in a solution, and the waste heat can provide the energy required for the desorption process.