Recovery of excess heat

In modern commercial buildings, there are many sources of excess heat, whether from machines, ventilation systems, computer rooms or cooling processes. This heat represents a valuable resource that is often wasted, but with the right technology and smart solutions it can be used effectively. By using excess heat in a well-thought-out way, companies can reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and contribute to a better environment. Here are some of the most effective ways commercial buildings can utilize excess heat.

1. Heating system for heating the building

One of the most direct ways to utilize excess heat is to integrate it into the building's heating system. For example, excess heat from production equipment or data centers can be transferred to a water-borne heating system. The water is heated and circulated through radiators or underfloor heating, which reduces the need for other energy for heating. Alternatively, the heat can be directed to air heating systems, where it is used to heat ventilation air and distribute it around the building.

2. Heat recovery from ventilation

Several buildings have ventilation systems that are of an older vintage, often with a poor recycling rate, or even completely absent. This leads to large amounts of energy being lost instead of being recovered back into the building. Modern ventilation systems can recover heat from the exhaust air. This is done by transferring the heat from used air to the fresh air that is drawn into the building. Heat recovery systems reduce energy use significantly, especially in larger buildings where the ventilation system runs continuously for a long time. Technology like this helps to improve the indoor climate and improves energy costs.

3. Use for heating hot water

A simple but effective solution is to use excess heat to preheat domestic hot water. This can be for sanitary facilities, kitchen areas or other parts of the building where there is a need for hot water. By preheating the water with surplus heat, the need for heating from external sources such as electricity, gas, district heating or the like is reduced, which in turn leads to lower energy costs.

4. Thermal energy storage

For commercial buildings with seasonal variations in heating demand, thermal storage can be a good solution. With the help of special materials, heat wells or water stores, surplus heat can be stored for later use. This can be particularly useful in periods of lower heating demand, such as summer and autumn/spring, so that the heat can be used when demand increases again in winter. By storing heat and using it in periods of high demand, you can reduce the power peak of the building in critical periods and take advantage of the benefit provided by lower power costs.

5. Use of heat pumps

Heat pumps can be an effective tool for extracting surplus heat from one area of the building and transferring it to other parts where heat is needed. By using heat pumps, the building can have a more balanced energy distribution, where different zones maintain comfortable temperatures without increasing the total energy consumption.

6. Absorption cooling

Another innovative way of utilizing excess heat is by using it for absorption cooling. This is a technology that uses heat energy, instead of electricity, to produce cooling. This can be very useful in buildings with large cooling needs, such as data centers or laboratories. By utilizing the excess heat in this way, the need for traditional mechanical cooling can be reduced and energy purchased can be saved.

7. Energy optimization with building automation

A building automation system can be a key factor in making optimal use of surplus heat. Such systems continuously monitor energy use in the building and adjust ventilation, heating and cooling in real time. Automated systems can identify when and where the excess heat can be used most effectively, improving both energy efficiency and comfort for those working in the building.

8. Combination with solar energy

For buildings that also use solar energy, a combination of solar cells or solar collectors and excess heat can provide significant energy savings. During the day, solar panels can generate electricity, while the excess heat is used for heating. This provides a holistic and sustainable solution that reduces dependence on external energy supply.

9. Heat distribution to nearby facilities

If the building is located near other buildings/facilities that need heat, excess heat can be transferred to these. An example could be the transfer of heat to a greenhouse, laundry, car wash, residence or similar nearby. General buildings and facilities that need heat, especially in the winter months, and the excess heat from a commercial building can be a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

 10. Cooperation with district heating 

Commercial buildings that generate large amounts of excess heat can consider connecting to a district heating network. By feeding the surplus heat into such a network, the building can contribute to heating other buildings or industrial areas nearby. This is an efficient way of utilizing excess heat, especially if the building does not need all the heat itself. Such solutions often require cooperation with local energy companies, but can be very profitable in the long term.

Advantages of utilizing excess heat

Utilizing surplus heat in commercial buildings offers several advantages. Firstly, companies can achieve significant cost savings by reducing energy consumption. In addition, utilization of existing heat helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which makes the building more environmentally friendly. It can also contribute to a better indoor climate and more even temperatures, which increases the well-being of those who work in the building.

Conclusion

By utilizing excess heat in a smart way, commercial buildings can improve both economic and environmental sustainability. With today's technology, there are a number of solutions, from heat recovery and district heating to heat pumps and absorption cooling, which can be implemented to ensure energy-efficient operation. Investing in such measures will not only reduce energy costs, but also have positive effects on the company's environmental profile and long-term operations.

Let us help you

At SustEvo, we specialize in finding the best solutions to optimize energy use in your building. Get in touch for a pleasant chat about how we can help you improve your building and secure it for the future.