The growth of industrial waste heat recovery

Lekshmy Ravi, Research Analyst, Technical Insights, Frost & Sullivan, comments: "Thermoelectric generators are expected to be the most sought after waste heat recovery technique, although much research is necessary before large-scale uptake is possible. The high growth of thermoelectric generators will also boost the utilisation of low grade waste heat.”

The scope for industrial waste heat recovery is immense across the globe and particularly promising in the Asia-Pacific, which is a major manufacturing hub. The cement and glass manufacturing industries are potential forerunners in adoption.

High capital investment, a long payback period, maintenance and safety requirements are some of the challenges limiting the implementation of industrial waste heat recovery technologies. From an operational perspective, commercialisation is delayed by temperature requirements, chemical composition and fouling.

Convincing industries of the benefits of waste heat management will be crucial. Supportive government policies and incentives will also go a long way in enabling the widespread use of waste heat recovery.

“Industries with high energy intensity, which have customised solutions readily available, are likely to deploy waste heat management to a greater extent. Other sectors will initially incorporate technologies with a low capital and short payback period as the first step towards incorporation of waste heat recovery," adds Ravi.