Method for utilization of waste energy

Abstract

A gaseous source of waste energy, including heat, is passed through a gas to liquid heat exchanger and then a chiller to agitate a water bath and produce evaporation of water for cooling. The heated transfer liquid is passed through a heat exchanger to heat makeup air or the like, while, alternatively, chilled water from the chiller is passed through the heat exchanger to cool the makeup air. Supplemental heating, as by a furnace, or supplemental cooling, as by refrigeration, may be utilized when called for. Separate heat exchangers, as for separate areas, are alternatively supplied with heated transfer liquid or chilled water, or one or more supplied with heated transfer liquid and one or more others supplied with chilled water. The source of waste energy, including heat, is normally fumes and heated air from cooking equipment passed through a grease extraction ventilator. Such a grease extraction ventilator may include water contact means, the water of which may be circulated through the heat exchanger when cooling only, by circulating cooled water produced by the chiller, is desired. Other sources of waste energy may be suitable, such as heated air which has risen to the upper portion of a large room or enclosure, such as an auditorium, theater, meeting hall or the like. The heated air removed from such a position is adapted in part to be recirculated, but all of it may be used to furnish heat for heating fresh makeup air. Two forms of a specialized double compartment chiller are disclosed, as well as alternate ways of returning circulated water back to the chiller.