Techno-economic assessment of waste heat recovery systems in Nigerian manu-facturing industries

Abstract

The manufacturing industry, even in Nigeria, faces major energy inefficiencies due to significant waste heat generated during industrial processes. This study assesses the technical and economic feasibility of Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems as a sustainable solution. It reviews technologies such as heat exchangers, organic rankine cycles (ORC), and cogeneration systems, assessing their potential integration into Nigerian industries. The findings of this thesis indicate that Nigerian industries lose substantial energy due to outdated technologies and inadequate waste heat management. WHR systems can reduce operational costs, enhance energy efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts; however, challenges such as limited technological awareness, financial constraints, and infrastructural inadequacies persist. The thesis recommends policy reforms, including tax incentives and stricter energy efficiency standards, sup-ported by capacity-building programs and public-private partnerships. Financial mechanisms like sustainable financing and energy subsidies are also necessary for large-scale WHR adoption. Implications for future re-search should include conducting empirical field studies, optimizing WHR technologies for Nigeria’s industrial context, and exploring integration with renewable energy sources.