Berenschot: HeatMatrix heat recovery technology can make a substantial contribution to the Dutch industry CO2 reduction ambition
The industry in the Netherlands can reduce its CO2 emission by 2,5 up to 5 megaton per year, by application of the HeatMatrix polymer heat exchanger technology. In addition, the heat recovery leads to a lower energy consumption. These are the conclusions of research done by consultancy company Berenschot into the potential CO2 and energy savings the technology offers. With these potential savings, HeatMatrix polymer heat exchangers can make a substantial contribution to achieving the environmental targets in the Industry and Electricity sectors, as set in the concept Climate Agreement in the Netherlands.
Currently, flue gases are emitted at elevated temperatures, frequently at 180 °C or higher. These temperatures are kept so high to avoid condensation of acids and the subsequent corrosion. In flue gas of 180 °C, a significant amount of heat remains unrecovered. Conventional metal-based heat exchangers are susceptible to the acid corrosion. HeatMatrix solves this issue by applying an innovative polymer technology that makes the heat exchangers resistant to acid corrosion. This enables a significant further recovery of waste heat from the flue gas, down to a flue gas temperature of 90°C.
Potential savings
Berenschot has analyzed the potential savings that application of the HeatMatrix technology offers for different industry sectors. The energy saving potential is estimated to be between 33.8 and 67.6 PJ per annum, which equates to a CO2 saving between 2.5 and 5 megaton per year. This means that the polymer technology can contribute significantly to achieving the industry’s CO2 reduction targets. Realization of the full potential depends on the development of CO2 and fuel prices; the lay-outs and configurations of the individual thermal processes; and government policy.
Payback time
In the (Petro)Chemical Industry, Refining and Miscellaneous Industry sectors, the heat recovery from flue gases using the HeatMatrix technology is technically feasible and generally economically viable, typically offering a project payback time of less than five years. For the sectors Energy and Waste Disposal (Incineration), the recovery of flue gas heat is technically no different, but due to the low cost of the fuels combusted (e.g. waste and coal), the business case is less favorable, with estimated payback times between 5 and 10 years.
Cost efficient contribution
Application of the HeatMatrix technology brings a cost-efficient contribution to achieving the targets set by the Dutch Climate Agreement. Based on its theoretical feasibility, the HeatMatrix polymer heat exchange technology can contribute between 9 and 18% of the reduction targets set for the industry sector and between 6 and 12% of the targets for the electricity segment.
About HeatMatrix
HeatMatrix develops, manufactures and sells innovative heat exchangers based on its PH (polymer honeycomb) and PCT (polymer concentric tube) technology. The innovative polymer technology makes it possible to recover heat from potentially corrosive flue gases and exhaust air in an economic way. This energy efficiency leads to a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions.
About Berenschot
Berenschot is an independent consultancy firm, that has 350 employees globally. The firm has been advising the public and private sectors for 80 years. Berenschot is a Dutch consultancy with an international orientation, having an office in the European capital, Brussels, since 1962 and undertaking a wide range of international projects.
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