With the increasing depletion of fossil fuels, the global energy supply is struggling to keep up with the demands of rapid economic growth. At the same time, environmental issues caused by inefficient energy use have become more severe. The energy crisis and pollution are now major challenges that affect both global economic development and human well-being. As a major energy producer and consumer, China relies heavily on energy for its economic growth. In light of the growing energy challenges, there is an urgent need to improve energy efficiency and promote resource conservation. Therefore, transitioning from traditional energy technologies and enhancing energy efficiency is crucial for China’s sustainable development and environmental protection.
Low energy efficiency is one of the key factors contributing to the imbalance between energy supply and demand in China. For example, the energy output per tonne of standard coal in China is only 10.3% of Japan's and 28.6% of the U.S.'s. In industrial settings, nearly 60–65% of energy is lost as waste heat. If properly utilized, this could significantly boost energy efficiency. Currently, the U.S. leads in waste heat utilization, with a rate of 60%, followed by Europe at 50%, while China only reaches 30%. This highlights a huge potential for improvement in China’s waste heat recovery sector.
China mainly uses steam turbine power generation systems, which include waste heat boilers and steam turbines, to recover residual heat. While this technology is widely applied in industries such as steel and metallurgy, it is less effective for low-temperature waste gases. A newer approach involves using reciprocating internal combustion engines and screw expanders, which offer broader application, higher flexibility, and better cost performance. These systems are becoming increasingly popular for low-temperature waste heat recovery.
Reciprocating internal combustion engine technology is particularly useful for converting low-concentration gases like biogas, coke oven gas, and oil field associated gas into electricity. This system works by burning the gas to drive the engine, which then generates power. The exhaust heat is used for heating or cooling, making it a combined heat and power (CHP) solution. Similarly, screw expansion units can recover waste heat from flue gases, hot water, and steam. These systems are efficient, easy to install, and suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Despite their advantages, these technologies still face challenges such as high initial costs, limited engineering experience, and lack of standardized regulations. However, with government support, improved technical collaboration, and increased awareness, the adoption of these systems is expected to grow rapidly. By investing in research, optimizing equipment, and promoting policy frameworks, China can make significant progress in reducing energy waste and achieving its environmental goals.
In conclusion, the efficient utilization of waste heat and residual energy offers a promising path to address the global energy crisis. While challenges remain, including market instability and technical limitations, long-term planning, regulatory oversight, and technological innovation will be essential for the sustainable development of this industry. With continued efforts, China can lead the way in energy efficiency and environmental protection, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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