New paper evaluates advanced polygeneration configurations combining waste heat recovery, solar thermal collectors and storage to boost industrial energy efficiency
A new scientific publication by researchers from CERTH (Centre for Research and Technology Hellas), a key partner of the FLEXIndustries project, provides an in-depth evaluation of thermal energy storage (TES) strategies in industrial polygeneration systems. The study, published in Applied Thermal Engineering, investigates how different configurations of waste heat recovery, solar thermal input, and TES integration can improve the performance and flexibility of a biofuels production facility.
The research focuses on a real-world case study at MIL OIL HELLAS SA, a FLEXIndustries demo case and a biodiesel and biogas plant in Central Macedonia, Greece. Leveraging waste heat from combined heat and power (CHP) units and auxiliary heat from solar thermal collectors, the proposed system integrates an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for electricity generation and a LiBr-H₂O absorption chiller to meet cooling demands at two different temperature levels.
By modelling and simulating several scenarios, including those with hot and cold water storage tanks and additional solar collectors, the study identifies optimal configurations for thermodynamic efficiency and economic viability. Notably, the use of a 50 m³ hot water tank and a 30 m³ cooling storage tank improves cooling output at the digester by 4.4%, achieving a 94.8% annual cooling coverage and a payback period of 14.1 years. Meanwhile, the most cost-effective solution features a 20 m³ hot water tank supplying the biodiesel reactors, with a 10.1-year payback period.
The publication underscores how integrated energy management strategies, combining waste heat recovery, renewable energy, and thermal storage, can significantly advance industrial sustainability and efficiency.
Read the full publication by clicking here.
Photo credits: Simone Hutsch via Unsplash