Waste heat recovery study for electricity generation and most suitable markets focusing on technological feasibility: case of ORI Solution

Abstract

The master thesis conducted an extensive study to identify the most suitable markets to generate electricity from waste heat. The study used the case study of a start-up that is developing a new turbine to harness gases and fluids to generate electricity from them, called ORI Solution. There is a promising opportunity in the waste heat recovery industry given that in certain cases 50 per cent of the energy input is lost as heat. The paper is structured into three parts to provide a good understanding of the waste heat recovery industry and guide the reader through the reasoning behind the answer to the main questions posed. The first part presents the concept of what waste heat is and the main parameters needed to analyse it. It goes on to explain the various technologies and methods for utilizing waste heat to demonstrate the variety of options that enterprises may select from to make their process more energy efficient. The second part looks at the four industries with the largest waste heat potential how they operate, which countries are the leaders in that industry, and their electricity consumption. Moreover, this section presents a list of companies that produce turbines with different capacities that are potential competitors for ORI Solution. The last section presents a description of how the ORI module works, a recommendation for ORI Solution regarding their best alternatives for target markets, and a list of the main issues to overcome to become a successful waste heat recovery company. The thesis primarily benefits the owners of ORI Solution, but it also offers useful information for everyone interested in waste heat recovery. The thesis advances knowledge and promotes sustainable energy practices by thoroughly examining the waste heat recovery ecosystem.