Heat recovery for industrial processes - efficient utilisation of waste heat

Heat recovery is the technical utilisation of waste heat from processes, refrigeration systems or ventilation systems to supply other consumers with heat. The available heat energy is brought to a suitable temperature level and used for heating purposes, hot water or process heat instead of being dissipated unused. It is crucial to understand waste heat sources, temperature levels and load profiles: A system that is both technically robust and economically attractive can only be created if the source and sink are a sensible match - with support from a heat pump or storage tank if required.

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Sophisticated heat recovery offers companies several advantages at the same time. Utilising waste heat reduces the need for additional energy for heating and processes, significantly reducing the use of gas, oil or additional electrical heating. This leads to permanently lower energy and fuel costs and improves the economic efficiency of operations. Because waste heat replaces conventionally generated heat, CO₂ emissions are also noticeably reduced. This makes heat recovery a direct lever for your carbon footprint and supports you in achieving sustainability and ESG targets. At the same time, the overall efficiency of your cooling and heating systems increases, as the energy used once is utilised multiple times. This increase in efficiency not only has a positive effect on operating costs, but also improves the energy rating of your systems. In addition, professional heat recovery increases the predictability of the energy supply and reduces dependence on volatile fuel prices and increasingly strict legal requirements for waste heat utilisation, such as the Energy Efficiency Act. Refolution designs heat recovery solutions in such a way that efficiency gains, investment costs and operational reliability are in a sensible balance and your process requirements are reliably met.</p

From the initial idea to the optimised system, Refolution supports you in all phases of a heat recovery project. It starts with a detailed analysis of your existing systems. Waste heat sources, load profiles, temperature levels and the existing cooling and heating technology are recorded and evaluated. Based on this, Refolution develops concept and profitability studies in which potential savings, possible CO₂ reductions, amortisation times and any funding opportunities are presented transparently.</p

In the subsequent design and planning phase, specific solutions are developed: Heat exchangers, heat pumps, storage tanks and control and safety technology are selected and matched to your existing infrastructure. In the next step, the systems are implemented, integrated into your control and safety technology and put into operation. Even after commissioning, Refolution remains at your side if required, providing monitoring support, optimising the control system and assisting with the documentation of savings and the further development of your energy system.

The implementation of a ventilation system with heat recovery is associated with certain costs. Nevertheless, the investment is worthwhile in most cases, as considerable savings can be achieved in the long term.</p

Investment costs and operating costs:
The investment costs for a ventilation system with heat recovery vary depending on the size of the building, type of system and additional requirements. It is important to consider the long-term operating costs, which are generally lower than for conventional ventilation systems due to the energy savings.</p

Potential savings and amortisation period:
The savings potential of a ventilation system with heat recovery depends on various factors, such as the thermal insulation standard of the building and the individual conditions of use. However, an amortisation period of a few years can usually be achieved, meaning that the investment pays for itself in the long term.

Political framework conditions and funding opportunities:
Politics play an important role in promoting and supporting heat recovery in ventilation systems. Political framework conditions and funding programmes create incentives to promote the use of energy-efficient solutions and drive forward their implementation.
In view of rising energy prices and the increasing importance of environmental protection, implementing a ventilation system with heat recovery is a sensible investment. Not only does it enable considerable savings on heating costs, it also helps to reduce CO2 emissions and improve indoor air quality. With this technology and political framework conditions, heat recovery in ventilation systems will continue to play a central role in the energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings in the future.