Heat recovery in compressed air systems is a process that utilises the heat generated during the compression of air to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Heat recovery systems are designed to capture the heat generated by the compressor and use it to preheat incoming air, reducing the amount of energy required to compress the air.
In a typical compressed air system, heat is generated as a byproduct of the compression process. The compressed air is hot, and the heat generated can be substantial, especially in systems that operate for long periods of time. This heat is usually wasted, and the compressed air must be cooled before it can be used, adding to the energy costs of the system.
Heat recovery systems are designed to capture this heat and use it to preheat incoming air, reducing the amount of energy required to compress the air. This not only reduces the energy costs of the system but also improves its overall efficiency.
There are several types of heat recovery systems available, including air-to-air heat exchangers, air-to-water heat exchangers, and heat recovery wheels. Air-to-air heat exchangers use heat exchanger coils to transfer heat from the compressed air to the incoming air, reducing the amount of energy required to compress the air. Air-to-water heat exchangers transfer the heat generated by the compressed air to a water system, where it can be used for heating or hot water. Heat recovery wheels are rotating devices that transfer heat from the compressed air to the incoming air, reducing the amount of energy required to compress the air.
Heat recovery systems can be retrofitted to existing compressed air systems, and they can also be included in new systems. They are a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of compressed air systems.
In conclusion, heat recovery in compressed air systems is a process that utilises the heat generated during the compression of air to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Heat recovery systems capture the heat generated by the compressor and use it to preheat incoming air, reducing the amount of energy required to compress the air. There are several types of heat recovery systems available, including air-to-air heat exchangers, air-to-water heat exchangers, and heat recovery wheels. Heat recovery systems are a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of compressed air systems.