Conversion of Low Value Waste Heat into High Value Energy Savings

This project will demonstrate the integration of an amonia-based absorption chiller into the cheese processing plant.

Industrial and Agricultural Innovation

Gallo Cattle Company, LP dba Joseph Gallo Farms

Recipient

Redding, CA

Recipient Location

1st

Senate District

1st

Assembly District

beenhere

$1,200,865

Amount Spent

closed

Completed

Project Status

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Project Result

The Final Report was completed. A copy of the final report was given to the technology provider for future applications of the technology.

The Issue

Waste heat from biogas to electricity generators and steam processes from industrial facilities are usually exhausted into the air wasting potential energy. Instead of utilizing this wasted energy, these industries will use electricity and natural gas to produce steam or heat for internal processing and cooling purposes. Cost effective methods of using waste heat in food processing is needed to maximize efficiency within the plant and reduce energy and operating costs.

Project Innovation

This project demonstrated a new innovative absorption chiller system that extracts waste heat from biogas to electricity generators and uses the heat for heating and chilling purposes in a food processing facility.

Project Benefits

The waste heat from the engine generators is normally exhausted into the atmosphere and the energy is lost. This project captured the waste heat to offset natural gas purchases for heating and chilling. Demonstration of the technology showed the energy savings and cost effectiveness of this waste heat recovery technology and potential application to others in the food processing industry.

Affordability

This system has proven to reduce natural gas usage by approximately 19,500 MMBTUs (approximately 23% reduction) per year and electricity savings by approximately 1.38 GWh (approximately 38% reduction) per year.