RECUPERATION OF LOW-GRADE HEAT FROM TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES FOR AUTONOMOUS ENERGY SUPPLY OF ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The relevance of the study is driven by the urgent need to identify new approaches to improving the energy efficiency of industrial enterprises under conditions of rising energy costs and increasing demands for energy security. A significant proportion of thermal resources in production processes is lost in the form of low-grade heat, which can be converted into useful energy when modern recovery technologies are applied. The author considers the utilization of such heat streams as a strategic tool for establishing autonomous energy supply systems, simultaneously reducing dependence on external sources and mitigating environmental impacts. The purpose of this article is to provide a scientific rationale for the conceptual and applied foundations of utilizing low-grade industrial heat to develop autonomous energy supply systems, as well as to identify the most effective directions for its application under current challenges of energy resilience. The research methodology is based on a systems approach that includes an analysis of the physical and technical characteristics of low-grade heat sources, an assessment of their recovery potential, a study of integration principles into production infrastructure, and a comparison of the economic feasibility across various industrial sectors. Methods of classification and comparative analysis, energy monitoring, and synthesis of contemporary industrial practices were employed. The results demonstrate the patterns of low-grade heat formation and confirm its significant energy potential. The findings show that the effective integration of recovery systems is feasible only when technical compatibility, flexibility of heat streams, modularity, and automation of control are combined. The economic benefits of implementation are substantiated, including reductions in energy costs, improved stability of production cycles, and enhanced competitiveness of enterprises. The conclusions confirm that the systematic use of low-grade heat can provide enterprises with a high degree of energy autonomy, reduce dependence on external energy sources, and simultaneously optimize production costs. However, several key barriers to implementation were identified, including high capital expenditures, complexity of technological integration, shortage of qualified personnel, and deficiencies in regulatory frameworks. Future research perspectives are associated with the advancement of digital heat-flow management systems based on artificial intelligence, the development of energy storage technologies, the establishment of unified standards for assessing the efficiency of recovery solutions, and the creation of state-level mechanisms to incentivize their adoption in industry.