Order Matters
Waste heat should be used in steps: first raise process efficiency, then generate power, then dump only what is left.
A Typical Train
- Step 1, air preheat: an isolated plate air-to-air exchanger warms combustion or make-up air, cutting fuel use immediately.
- Step 2, thermal oil or water loop: carries the remaining heat to the ORC evaporator at a controlled temperature.
- Step 3, ORC: converts the loop heat into power.
- Step 4, low-grade reuse: any leftover feeds absorption chillers or heat pumps.
Why Isolation First
On dusty or corrosive exhaust, keep the dirty stream in an isolated plate unit so the ORC loop stays clean. This protects the evaporator materials and avoids cross-contamination. The result is a robust train with predictable maintenance.