Waste heat is released as by-product of various processes in different forms such as: combustion gases discharged to the atmosphere; heated water released into environment; heated products exiting industrial processes, and heat transfer from hot equipment surfaces. As such, waste heat sources differ regarding the aggregate state (mainly fluid and gaseous), temperature range, and frequency of their occurrence.
Listed below are some of the most typical waste heat sources and their potential for energy recovery:
Iconographs © Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena)
