The suitability of different types of industry for inter-site heat integration

摘要

Several studies have shown that some highly-intensive processes are suitable for heat integration with each other (inter-site heat integration). This paper shows the results of an integration of the waste heat sources and potential sinks across several industries which have not yet received much attention for inter-site heat integration. The purpose of this paper is not to suggest that any particular configuration is currently possible, it is to demonstrate the significant theoretical savings and stimulate discussion of the where future research (e.g. into high temperature heat exchangers or solid to gas heat exchangers). By building two theoretical heat exchange networks, one to maximise heat recovery and one to maximise electricity generation, the characteristics of different process streams which are conducive or obstructive to successful, profitable integration can be identified. Heat recovery is slightly more profitable than electricity generation on first examination, but there are several major issues which are difficult to quantify and will add significant cost. In general, processes involving large quantities of liquids and condensing and evaporating gases, such as refineries, offer significant potential. Processes with incondensable, low-pressure gases and solid streams, such as cement plants, generally gain less profit from inter-site heat integration. All costs are in 2013 Euros.