Potential research programs in waste energy utilization

A successful solution to the energy problem will depend, to a great degree, on the optimized use of converted energy forms and on the maximum utilization of by-product or waste energy and materials.Industrial waste energy in many cases can be utilized as energy sources for combustion air preheating, process heating, and thermodynamic engine cycles.Reducing and/or eliminating waste energy will increase energy efficiency and will lessen environmental problems throughout the chain of extracting, processing and supplying energy (i.e., waste energy utilization is a means of pollution control).This paper discusses potential research areas of interest to the Power Technology and Conservation Branch (PTCB) of EPA's Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio (lERL-Ci).The PTCB waste energy utilization program will assess the relative economic/environmental effects of using waste energy and assure that control technology is developed to the extent required.Emphasis will be on the industrial area but other waste-energy utilization or pursuits could be included except as related to the conventional electric utility industry.Our sister IERL at Research Triangle Park, N.C. has responsibility for the conventional utility industry.However, longer range advanced concepts related to utilities will be emphasized, by IERL-C1 for example, the integration of utilities with industries for combined production of electricity and space and process heating to minimize waste heat rejection.