Thermal Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes

Abstract

Abstract Thermal energy used for heating and cooling represents a significant proportion of total energy use in industrial processes and is largely supplied by fossil fuels. Mechanical operations primarily powered by electricity also consume a large amount of energy. Both heating and cooling operations as well as mechanical operations release large amounts of heat into the environment; therefore, careful management of thermal energy is a key factor in reducing overall energy consumption and emissions. Energy‐related pressures, incentives, and opportunities provide a strong business case to invest in improving energy efficiency. These include customer demand for “green” products, national taxes, and financial incentives, and rising fuel costs. Against this backdrop, the prioritization of the sustainability agenda by research funders coupled with the pressure on research organizations to ensure the transfer of novel technologies to industry creates an ideal landscape for substantial advancement in industrial energy efficiency. Successful movement of novel technology to industry should, however, be supported by concepts, methods, and practices derived from industrial context and needs. Accordingly, initial implementations often bring to light new research challenges, both technical and methodological. To enhance the use of energy‐efficient methods in industry, the definition and measurement of efficiency must be tailored to industrial needs and technologies ready for adoption must be identified and presented in relation to existing technology. In addition, detailed case studies of energy use should be documented to provide insights to both researchers and practitioners, identifying both realistic improvements and barriers to application of energy‐efficient measures.