Current progress of process integration for waste heat recovery in steel and iron industries

More than half of the energy consumed globally is lost as heat. Recovering waste heat can increase system efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions. The iron and steel industry is one of the industrial sector's largest energy consumers. A considerable amount of waste heat is also lost during steel production, which is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the iron and steel industry should prioritize increasing energy efficiency when saving energy. This article analyzes energy integration and application strategies for waste heat recovery throughout the iron and steel manufacturing sector. Waste heat from the iron and steel industry has shown that it can be used to provide heating, cooling, and electricity. According to a review of research studies conducted on waste heat recovery in the iron and steel sector, thermal terminal analysis, exergy analysis, and mathematical modeling techniques have proven useful in determining waste heat potential. The analyzes and information in this study can be used to fill research gaps for future studies and provide information on the potential for using waste heat in the iron and steel sector for multiple applications.

Automated summary

More than half of global energy consumption is wasted as heat. Recovering waste heat can improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions. The iron and steel industry, being a major energy consumer, should focus on increasing energy efficiency. This article analyzes strategies for waste heat recovery in the iron and steel manufacturing sector, showing its potential for heating, cooling, and electricity generation.