Transforming Waste Heat into Electricity: An Inside Look at the iWAYS Project's Thermoelectric Innovation
The Grasp and Harness of Waste Heat: iWAYS Traverses the Path of Energy Sustainability
Gearing up for a greener tomorrow, the EU-backed iWAYS project is spearheading innovation in the recovery and exploitation of waste heat in heavy-duty sectors. Dr. Robertas Poškas, a thermal expert at the Lithuanian Energy Institute (a fellow iWAYS partner), offers a peek into the project's ventures, shedding light on the importance of heterogeneous heat sources, and setting the stage for the industrial heat recovery revolution.
This interview has been condensed and polished for better understanding.
What part do you play in the iWAYS project and which aspect are you most proud of?
Dr. Robertas Poškas: "Here at the Lithuanian Energy Institute, our primary focus is on the Heat Pipe Condensing Economiser. We've constructed a test section that can simulate corrosive industrial flows to assess the Heat Pipe Condensing Economiser's resistance to corrosion. We've also delved into the condensation process in the Heat Pipe Condensing Economiser. I'm highly optimistic about this technology because it's exceptionally suited for industries."
What's the significance of diversifying heat sources for modern energy systems?
Dr. Robertas Poškas: "For Europe, it's critical because rather than relying on imported fossil fuels, we can harness local resources like waste heat and other cost-effective modalities. Globally, it's profitable for industries to recover resources like heat, as this impacts the final product's price."
What future trends do you anticipate in the area of heat sources for energy-intensive industries, such as steel, chemicals, and cement?
Dr. Robertas Poškas: "Diverse industries share a common goal: to recoup waste heat, water, and materials as much as feasible. On a global scale, small modular reactors are making a comeback to market. Furthermore, developing methods for heat storage for longer periods is essential. I've heard rumors of some countries phasing out traditional boilers in favor of electric ones, which are environmentally friendly and facilitate meeting CO2 standards."
How can industries wean off fossil-based heat sources and move towards more eco-friendly alternatives without hindering operations?
Dr. Robertas Poškas: "All industries aim for sustainability by installing condensing economisers, heat pumps, and heat accumulators. The technologies being developed in the iWAYS project are crucial, as they comprise actual products such as condensing economisers and water purification systems that are being installed in real manufacturing facilities."
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the iWAYS project in the foreseeable future?
Dr. Robertas Poškas: "Moving forward, we'll face the challenge of installing the Heat Pipe Condensing Economizers in demonstration plants, running them, and observing their performance. Since laboratory testing doesn't account for real-world conditions, it can help identify areas for improvement."
What inspires you to participate in iWAYS?
Dr. Robertas Poškas: "In our project, we're handling actual products that are installed in industrial plants and operated under real-world conditions. This real-world approach sets our project apart from others that concentrate on prototypes."
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Energy, Environment, Sustainability, Waste, Heat, Heat Pump, Water
Did you know?The iWAYS project is fostering groundbreaking technologies to capture waste heat from heavy-duty sectors, including Heat Pipe Condensing Economisers, water recycling closed loops, and material recovery systems from exhaust gases. By integrating waste heat recovery with water recycling and material recovery, iWAYS aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, and minimize pollution in energy-intensive industries.
- Dr. Robertas Poskas, a thermal expert at the Lithuanian Energy Institute, is focusing on the Heat Pipe Condensing Economiser in the iWAYS project, a technology he believes is particularly suitable for industries due to its potential for waste heat recovery.
- Diversifying heat sources for modern energy systems is crucial for Europe, as it allows for the harnessing of local resources like waste heat and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- In the future, small modular reactors are expected to make a comeback in the market, while developing methods for heat storage for longer periods and phasing out traditional boilers in favor of environmentally friendly electric ones are also trends anticipated in energy-intensive industries.
- To move away from fossil-based heat sources, industries can install condensing economisers, heat pumps, and heat accumulators, as demonstrated by the iWAYS project's development of actual products like condensing economisers and water purification systems that are being implemented in operating factories.
