Optimal waste heat recovery and reuse in industrial zones

Significant energy efficiency gains in zones with concentrated activity from energy intensive industries can often be achieved by recovering and reusing waste heat between processing plants. We present a systematic approach to target waste heat recovery potentials and design optimal reuse options across plants in industrial zones. The approach first establishes available waste heat qualities and reuse feasibilities considering distances between individual plants. A targeting optimization problem is solved to establish the maximum possible waste heat recovery for the industrial zone. Then, a design optimization problem is solved to identify concrete waste heat recovery options considering economic objectives. The paper describes the approach and illustrates its application with a case study.

► Developed a systematic approach to target waste heat recovery potentials and to design optimal recovery and reuse options across plants in industrial zones.
► Five stage approach involving data acquisition, analysis, assessment, targeting and design.
► Targeting optimization problem establishes the maximum possible waste heat recovery and reuse limit for the industrial zone.
► Design optimization problem provides concrete waste heat recovery and reuse network design options considering economic objectives.