Research progress on industrial waste heat recycling and seasonal energy storage

Abbreviations: ATES: Aquifer thermal energy storage; LHS: Latent heat storage; BF: Base fluid; LP: Low pressure; BORC: Basic organic Rankine cycle; BTES: Borehole Thermal Energy Storage; CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics; CHP: Combined Heat and Power; CHP-HBP: CHP with High-Back Pressure Steam Turbine; DW: Distilled water; EG: Ethylene glycol; HP: High Pressure; NF: Nanofluid; ORC: Organic Rankine cycle; PCM: Phase-change material; PTES: Pit Thermal Energy Storage; SHS: Sensible heat storage; STES: Seasonal thermal energy storage; THS: Thermochemical heat storage; TTES: Tank thermal energy storage

Nomenclature: r: revenue per kW of deep peak shaving capacity during the valley period, $/kW; t: utilization hours of power peak-shaving equipment during the valley period, h

1.   Introduction

Heating is an essential energy service for the building and industrial sectors, accounting for one-third of the global total final energy consumption, or nearly 145 exajoules, of which approximately 75% is derived from fossil fuels ^[1]. Heating accounts for 24% of the global emissions from the energy sector. China's share of global heat consumption is 33%, playing a significant role in shaping global trends; within this, the industrial sector in China accounts for as high as 40% of global heat consumption, while the building sector's heat consumption constitutes about 20% of the global total. With the rapid development of the global economy, the energy demand is growing, and the environmental pollution problem is becoming more and more serious. Since 2010, the urban area has been increasing yearly, and the length of heating pipelines has also increased accordingly. The length of centralized heating networks has grown from less than 100,000 kilometers in 2000 to nearly 500,000 kilometers in 2020 ^[2]. The required heat for heating has also increased year by year, and the issue of environmental pollution has become increasingly severe. Figure 1 shows the major industrial centers and industrial bases in China, among which the central and southern Liaoning region is the largest heavy industrial base. If the waste heat from industrial processes can be effectively utilized for heating, it will significantly reduce the heating burden in the northern regions of China and achieve sustainable energy utilization ^[3]. To further harness industrial waste heat, it is necessary to estimate the potential of industrial waste heat. Gui-Bing Hong et al. ^[4] evaluated a dataset of over 11,000 waste heat emissions across regions in Taiwan. Through a bottom-up analysis, they determined the theoretical waste heat potential in Taiwan to be 89.66 PJ/y, laying the foundation for future utilization. Seasonal energy storage technology is an effective means to address the imbalance between energy supply and demand ^[5]. By recovering and storing industrial waste heat during the spring, summer, and autumn, it can be released during peak energy demand periods (winter), thereby achieving optimized energy allocation and sustainable utilization ^[6]. The recovery of industrial waste heat and the technology of seasonal storage provide effective pathways to enhance energy utilization efficiency and to moderate the conflict between energy supply and demand ^[7]. Integrating these two approaches is expected to facilitate sustainable energy utilization, enhance energy efficiency, and promote the development of green industry ^[8].

The scientific research community prioritizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from industrial activities to decrease the use of fossil fuels. Green and low-carbon development is a significant direction for the energy development and transformation in today's world ^[9]. Advancing the clean utilization of fossil energy and fully exploiting and utilizing renewable energy sources is an inevitable path. There are several types of renewable energy, including biomass, wind, and solar energy. However, due to the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy ^[10], the issue of mismatch between energy supply and demand has led to a severe phenomenon of curtailed green electricity, particularly in the form of abandoned wind and solar power in our country. To effectively store energy, a proposal has been put forward to convert the generated electricity into valuable chemicals and fuels required by industry. Green hydrogen has always been considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels ^[11]. Hydrogen has a high energy density, which means that under the same mass condition, hydrogen can store more energy than most batteries. Moreover, hydrogen can be stored for a long time without any significant energy loss, making it highly suitable for long-term energy storage. Hydrogen can be produced through various methods, including electrolysis of water. If renewable energy sources are used to power the electrolysis process, the production of green hydrogen can be achieved, which represents a sustainable means of energy storage. Ajeeb et al. ^[12] conducted a study comparing two hydrogen production via electrolysis technologies: pressurized alkaline electrolysis and capillary-fed alkaline electrolysis. The environmental impact of a green hydrogen production project with an expected operational life of 20 years and a capacity of 60 MW was assessed using SimaPro. Among the 16 environmental categories studied, including construction, disposal, operation, and power supply, the capillary-fed alkaline electrolysis technology demonstrated a lower potential environmental impact, approximately 17% lower than the pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology when considering the overall impact.

Razi et al. ^[13] conducted a comparative assessment of various solar hydrogen production technologies using two sets of criteria. The first set included environmental impact and hydrogen production costs. The second set comprised energy and energy efficiency, sustainability indices, and hydrogen production rates. The results indicated that high-temperature energy methods had higher efficiency and hydrogen production rates, while also posing greater environmental harm. Photon and bio-chemical energy routes were more environmentally friendly, but less efficient. Perhaps the compatibility of environmental protection and efficiency could be a direction for future research.

In recent years, environmental protection and the enhancement of energy efficiency have become focal points of global concern ^[14]. Against this backdrop, the recovery of industrial waste heat as an effective means to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental pollution has received widespread attention. As shown in Tables 1–3, China's industrial sector possesses a vast amount of waste heat resources, which still have considerable development potential. According to statistics, the exploitable waste heat resources account for approximately 15% to 30% of the total energy consumption.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a traditional Combined Heat and Power with High-Back Pressure Steam Turbine (CHP-HBP) system. To improve the flexibility of thermal power plants, peak shaving and valley filling based on heating demand is an inevitable trend. There are four primary methods of peak shaving ^[15]: The Electric boiler method ^[16], the direct steam extraction method, the absorption heat pump waste heat recovery method ^[17], and the electric heat pump waste heat recovery method ^[18]. Figure 3 shows the relationship between the revenue per kW of the deep peak shaving capacity(r) and the utilization hours of peak-shaving equipment during the valley period for the four peak shaving methods(t). This can be calculated from the figure, using the peak-shaving depth, which is not limited for both the electric boiler method and the waste heat recovery method using electric heat pumps. The maximum peak-shaving depth for direct steam extraction method and the absorption heat pump waste heat recovery method is approximately 20% of the rated power generation output. Wang et al. ^[19] selected the most favorable method for each power peak-shaving scenario to improve the power peak-shaving capability. The research indicates that the waste heat recovery method using electric heat pumps has a significant peak-shaving capacity, capable of meeting the deep peak-shaving demand for up to 360 hours of continuous duration. Therefore, large-scale, long-term seasonal energy storage projects are needed to store energy during periods of low demand for use during high-demand seasons in the future. Peak shaving and valley filling work is used flatten the load curve by reducing peak loads and shifting them to times of lower demand, thereby reducing the operation of expensive power plants ^[20].

Cogeneration plants generate a significant amount of high-temperature waste heat during the electricity generation process. China's cogeneration waste heat recovery and utilization rate stands at approximately 60%, leaving substantial room for improvement in both spatial and temporal coordination. We propose combining industrial waste heat recovery with seasonal thermal storage technology to address the issue of mismatch between supply and demand. Industrial facilities such as steel mills, data centers, and coal mine shafts also produce a significant amount of waste heat, which, if effectively utilized, can contribute to reducing energy consumption.

Seasonal energy storage technology involves utilizing underground heat storage, water body heat storage, and other methods to store surplus energy during off-peak hours (summer) and release it during peak hours (winter), in order to achieve balanced energy utilization. Improved seasonal storage technology helps to reconcile the disparity between energy supply and demand, enhance energy utilization efficiency, and lower energy costs.

Combining waste heat recovery with cross-seasonal storage technology can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote the development of renewable energy. Industrial waste heat recovery can effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions ^[21], reduce environmental pollution, and also enhance economic returns. Pello Larrinaga ^[22] and his colleagues used a case study approach to assess the potential for industrial waste heat recovery in the Basque Autonomous Community (located in northern Spain). Their estimates suggest that there is a significant amount of waste heat available, with 36% of the waste heat having temperatures above 500 ℃. The study highlights that there is a considerable amount of energy being wasted in industries such as steel and petrochemicals, waiting to be recovered. These findings underscore the opportunity for these industries to implement waste heat recovery systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. Kristina ^[23] and her colleagues analyzed 107 industrial heat recovery projects in Sweden. They found that the average operating duration of ongoing collaborations was 18.2 years. For collaborations that had been terminated, the average operating duration was 13.3 years. Two-thirds of the terminated collaborations had lasted beyond the investment payback period, indicating that most of the projects were profitable. This analysis provides valuable insights into the financial viability and longevity of industrial heat recovery projects, suggesting that such initiatives can be a sound investment with long-term benefits for the industry. Moreover, seasonal storage technology contributes to decreased energy consumption and mitigates environmental pollution ^[24]. Guerra ^[25] and colleagues have proposed an integrated techno-economic assessment method to explore the cost competitiveness of seasonal energy storage technologies, taking into account factors such as cost, storage duration, and efficiency. The results indicated that for the Western United States power system, pump storage and compressed air energy storage with a discharge time of 1 day are expected to be cost-competitive in the near future. Based on forecasts of future energy costs, storage technologies with longer durations may also become cost-effective. This research is significant because it provides a framework for evaluating the economic viability of different energy storage solutions, which is crucial for the integration of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid. By understanding the cost dynamics of storage technologies, policymakers and industry stakeholders can make informed decisions about investments in energy infrastructure that will support a sustainable and resilient energy system. In data centers, waste heat recovery technology can be employed to capture and utilize the heat generated by servers, thereby reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and fostering the advancement of renewable energy. By capturing and utilizing waste heat from coal mine shafts, the energy consumption of coal mine operations can be minimized, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Integrating these two technologies contributes to the establishment of an environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and sustainable energy system, facilitating the realization of sustainable development. By recovering and storing waste heat from the iron and steel plant, it enables optimal energy allocation, reduces energy consumption, and promotes sustainable development within the facility. It can efficiently manage energy supply and demand, lower energy expenses, and enhance economic efficiency for enterprises. In regions characterized by high winter heating demand, the implementation of seasonal storage technology for excess heat can lead to reduced energy costs, as the stored heat can be released during peak heating hours.

The potential for energy conservation and environmental benefits is significant when industrial waste heat recovery is combined with seasonal storage. Here we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in seasonal energy storage through industrial waste heat recovery, analyze the merits and drawbacks of diverse energy storage technologies, and offer insights into future development directions and application prospects.

2.   Current status of industrial waste heat resources and their utilization

Industrial waste heat refers to the thermal energy produced as a byproduct of industrial processes that is not directly utilized. This type of heat typically arises from heat exchange inindustrial equipment and processes, such as combustion, chemical reactions, and equipment operation. Industrial waste heat exists in various forms ^[26,27], including high-temperature flue gas, cooling water, waste steam, slag, products, and by-products. The harnessing of industrial waste heat involves capturing the thermal energy that is not directly utilized and converting it into usable thermal or electrical energy through appropriate technologies and equipment for applications such as heating, cooling, power generation, and other industrial processes. This not only reduces energy waste and enhances energy utilization efficiency but also mitigates environmental pollution and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. The key to utilizing industrial waste heat lies in the efficient and cost-effective recovery and use of this thermal energy. This typically involves a combination of factors, including the characteristics of the waste heat source, the feasibility of the utilization technology, economic considerations, and compatibility with existing industrial processes. This paper outlines the utilization of waste heat in six industries: Thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, oil refineries, iron and steel plants, coal mines, and data centers.

2.1.   Waste heat utilization in thermal power plants

Thermal power plants, which utilize coal as fuel, generate two forms of waste heat during the power generation process: Flue gas waste heat and exhaust steam waste heat. If not reclaimed, a substantial amount of thermal energy would be wasted. The recovery of this waste heat can enhance the energy efficiency of heating units and reduce the heating burden on the power plant ^[28].

2.1.1.   The utilization of flue gas waste heat in thermal power plants

Flue gas waste heat refers to the substantial amount of thermal energy contained in the flue gas produced by the combustion of coal or gas in a boiler within a thermal power plant. Typically, this heat is released into the atmosphere through a chimney, a process that results in flue gas waste heat. The temperature of the flue gas is usually high, often reaching 140 ℃ or more, and thus it contains a significant amount of recoverable thermal energy ^[29]. High-temperature flue gas contains dust, acidic gases, and other harmful substances. If emitted directly into the atmosphere, it would cause air pollution, endanger human health, and damage the ecological environment. It also implies a significant waste of thermal energy, which increases the production costs for power plants. Therefore, the recovery of waste heat from high-temperature flue gas is an important measure for thermal power plants to save energy, reduce consumption, and improve energy utilization rates. Additionally, it is a key step in reducing environmental pollution ^[30].

In terms of directly absorbing the waste heat from flue gas, Li ^[31] proposed a model for direct contact heat transfer between flue gas and water and experimentally demonstrated that distributing cold water at multiple points in the flue gas path enhances heat transfer efficiency compared to single-point injection. Yan et al. ^[32] proposed using cooling water and flue gas waste heat for centralized heating and designed two water source heat pump systems for flue gas waste heat recovery, which were compared with the traditional absorption heat pump system. The results indicated that the water source heat pump system is more cost-effective. Kuang et al. ^[33] demonstrated that lithium bromide absorption heat pumps are more effective than vapor compression heat pumps for recovering low-temperature flue gas waste heat. The single-effect heat pump showed greater operational stability than the double-effect heat pump. Wang et al. ^[34] used flue gases to heat water to a specific temperature, followed by flash evaporation to produce low-pressure waste heat steam. The research showed that energy utilization could be optimized by retrofitting the system to operate at the lowest feasible waste heat steam pressure. Retrofitting a 1,000 MW unit in this manner is expected to effectively reduce CO₂ emissions by 6,333.97 tons annually.

In terms of system improvement, Liu et al. ^[35] provided a comprehensive overview of current flue gas waste heat recovery technologies and suggested potential avenues for improvement, without detailing specific optimization methods. Feng et al. ^[36] investigated the use of sintering waste heat to recover low-temperature flue gas from a waste heat boiler. They found that using R236ea in a basic organic Rankine cycle (BORC) can achieve a waste heat recovery efficiency of 65.07%. Li et al. ^[37] proposed the use of absorption heat pumps to capture low-grade flue gas heat from a coal-fired unit, with the aim of enhancing air preheating to reduce coal consumption and water usage. (as shown in Figure 4) Liu et al. ^[38] proposed the implementation of a combined cycle system that integrates Thermal Electricity Generation with an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) to recover waste heat from the main engine's flue gas. The study indicated that the system's output performance was optimized when the pressure (P) was set at 0.75 MPa. Mubashir et al. ^[39] achieved a thermal efficiency of 59.21% by integrating an Absorption Refrigeration System with an ORC to utilize waste heat from a 470 ℃ engine for simultaneous electricity generation and refrigeration. The Brayton cycle and ORC were used in a cascaded arrangement to recover heat from the flue gases of the internal combustion engine.

2.1.2.   The utilization of low-grade steam waste heat in thermal power plants

Exhaust steam waste heat refers to the high-temperature and high-pressure steam that expands and performs work within a steam turbine, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. After this process, the steam retains a certain temperature and pressure and is referred to as exhaust steam. This exhaust steam contains a significant amount of heat. If it is directly released into the atmosphere through a cooling tower or cooling system, it not only results in energy waste but also contributes to environmental pollution ^[40]. To improve the quality of low-temperature waste heat, An et al. ^[41] proposed a combined compression and absorption heat pump system, which constructs two cycles capable of significant temperature elevation and high-temperature output. The research showed that both cycles significantly outperformed the R245fa compression cycle in terms of temperature elevation and output temperature. Building on the Co-ah system, Wu et al. ^[42] added two heat storage tanks for low and high temperatures, along with a set of electric heat pumps, to capture and store the waste heat from the thermal power plant using the low-temperature tank. The stored high-temperature hot water is then used to compensate for heating capacity gaps and maintain heating output stability, achieving significant thermoelectric decoupling and enhancing power generation regulation. Talib et al. ^[43] integrated an existing system with an ORC to improve the utilization of boiler waste heat by recovering additional energy from the exhaust gases through the ORC. This integration resulted in nearly a 20% increase in the overall thermal efficiency of the plant. Zhang et al. ^[44] made enhancements to the heat accumulator and heater across two cycles, which significantly improved heat source utilization and net power output compared to the period before the improvements, although there was a slight reduction in thermal efficiency.

Additionally, it can be combined with other forms of waste heat. Kauko et al. ^[45] used a 1,000 m³ minimum thermal energy storage tank in an industrial area of Mo, Norway, to integrate waste heat from boilers powered by various energy sources, including carbon monoxide gas, electricity, and petroleum. They found a significant reduction in both the total cost of heating and CO₂ emissions. Elistratov et al. ^[46] demonstrated that integrating absorption heat pumps and chillers of various designs and capacities into the thermal circuits of existing and planned thermal power plants can achieve significant reductions in heat losses. Aberkane et al. ^[47] proposed integrating an ORC system during summer and adding a waste heat reclaimer in winter. The results showed a 16.9% increase in energy efficiency in summer and a 21.59% increase in winter. Sinha et al. ^[48] found that the integrated waste heat recovery system can mitigate specific heat losses, reduce consumption, and enhance thermal efficiency. The proposed two-stage waste heat recovery system achieved a maximum energy efficiency of 61.639%.

The utilization of waste heat in a cogeneration plant involves the technical process of recovering and converting excess heat into usable thermal energy, which can be used for heating, hot water supply, or other industrial applications. When a cogeneration system is integrated with a power plant ^[49], the waste heat is effectively reused, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the facility. This not only improves energy utilization efficiency and reduces energy waste but also helps mitigate environmental pollution, resulting in significant economic and social benefits.

2.1.3.   Nanofluids

The traditional heat transfer fluidsused in thermal power plants are generally water or oil. The thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency of these conventional heat transfer fluids are relatively low, which limits their application effectiveness in fields such as thermal management and cooling systems ^[50]. To enhance the heat transfer efficiency of heat transfer fluids ^[51], some scholars have researched the preparation of nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity and their incorporation into the heat transfer fluids. These nanoscale solid particles, when uniformly dispersed in conventional fluids to form a stable suspension, are referred to as Nanofluids (NFs). In the field of thermal convection in NF, numerical simulation research is of great importance ^[52], encompassing a variety of simulation strategies including the mixture model, the volume of fluid method, the Eulerian model, and the Eulerian-Lagrangian model.

Ajeeb and colleagues ^[53,54] used various compounds such as SiC and BN to prepare NFs and they found that the electrical conductivity of the NFs was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, they prepared fiveconcentrations of nanoparticle suspensions using Al₂O₃ and TiO² as materials, respectively, which served as the base fluids (BFs) flowing within a Compact Plate Heat Exchanger. By comparing viscosity and thermal conductivity through numerical investigations, they analyzed the thermal performance of the NFs. The research indicates that the addition of nanoparticles to the BF can enhance thermal performance, with a 24.6% improvement in heat transfer performance for a concentration of 0.2 vol.% Al₂O₃, and a 15.3% improvement for the same concentration of TiO₂. Ajeeb et al. ^[55] prepared two concentrations (0.01 and 0.05 vol.%) of Al₂O₃ NF to study the applicability of NFs in pool boiling systems. A mixture of ethylene glycol (EG) and distilled water (DW) was used as the BF. The critical heat flux, burnout heat flux, and convective heat transfer coefficient were compared. The results revealed a significant improvement in the heat transfer performance of the NFs. When the concentration of the Al₂O₃ NF was 0.05 vol.%, the critical heat flux increased by 60% and the burnout heat flux increased by 54%.

Due to the enhancement of thermal conductivity, smaller or lighter heat exchangers can be utilized to achieve the same heat exchange effect. Ajeeb et al. ^[56] prepared five concentrations of Al₂O₃ and EG/water-based Al nanoparticle solutions ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 vol.%, and conducted a numerical study under a constant heat flux in a microchannel with Reynolds numbers between 400 and 2,000 (laminar flow). The results indicated that the convective heat transfer of both NFs was significantly enhanced and increased with the increasing concentration of nanoparticles. At a nanoparticle concentration of 3.0 vol.%, the maximum enhancement for Al reached 20.3%, while for Al₂O₃ it was 25.1%.

2.2.   Utilization of waste heat from nuclear power plants

In recent years, China's installed nuclear power capacity has seen rapid growth ^[57]. The nation has been committed to the development of nuclear energy as a vital component of clean energy, with the aim of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear power plants are often constructed in coastal areas due to their geographical location and the availability of surrounding water resources. In northern China, where water resources are scarce, the waste heat generated by nuclear power plants can be harnessed for preparing hot water and desalinating seawater, addressing water resource challenges. This integrated approach enables the simultaneous provision of heat and water supply (the basic schematic diagram as shown in Figure 5). During winter, the temperature of the spent vapor is approximately 20 to 45 ℃, while the return water from the heat network ranges from 50 to 70 ℃.

Kostarev et al. ^[59] demonstrated that by implementing heat pumps for low-grade heat utilization in the thermal circuit of the BN-800 power unit, which is equipped with fast neutron reactors, it is possible to reduce steam extraction and generate additional energy at a constant production cost while also minimizing thermal emissions released to the environment. Tai et al. ^[60] integrated seawater desalination technology with waste heat recovery technology to establish a water-heat cogeneration system for nuclear power waste heat recovery, which can meet the requirements of seawater desalination and hot water heating. The overall thermal efficiency of this system can reach 69%, surpassing that of other heating systems. Li et al. ^[61] examined three contemporary technologies for nuclear power heat supply and compared them with conventional steam extraction for heat supply. They determined that the large temperature difference long-distance transmission for heat supply and water-heat co-provisioning technology are economically feasible. The investigation revealed that as the transmission distance of the large temperature difference for heat supply increases, the cost differential between it and water-heat co-provisioning also expands. Furthermore, the water-heat co-provisioning technology reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 3.09 million tons, as evidenced by an analysis of the heat supply from the Haiyang nuclear power plant to Yantai. Zhang et al. ^[62] utilized a fault tree to construct a reliability model for the waste heat discharge system in nuclear power plants, with the optimization of both coolant transfer and heat exchange functions taken into account. The study demonstrated that the optimized scheme led to a substantial enhancement in system reliability.

2.3.   Waste heat utilization in steel mills

The iron and steel industry in China has traditionally been a significant consumer of energy due to its extensive production and energy-intensive nature. The distribution of steel in China is shown in Figure 6, with the southern region aligned along the Yangtze River, and the northern region primarily concentrated in the Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan area and Liaoning province, where large steel enterprises dominate. During the production process, steel mills produce high-temperature slag exceeding 1,400 ℃, and the cooling slag flushing water contains a substantial amount of waste heat ^[63]. If the waste heat from steel mills can be fully recovered and utilized, it would not only reduce the energy costs for enterprises and improve economic efficiency but also decrease environmental pollution.

Woolley ^[8] proposed a comprehensive program for assessing energy recovery, which demonstrated its broad applicability through empirical case studies. Lin ^[64] conducted an analysis and exploration of the underemphasized low-temperature waste heat resources in steel mills, identifying three major components of unutilized low-temperature waste heat: Cooling water, flue gas, and spent steam, as shown in Figure 7. Cooling water is recovered directly through a heat exchanger, flue gas is proposed to be contacted with water for heat exchange, and spent steam is reclaimed through a condenser for direct use in heating. Ronggen et al. ^[65] proposed a novel planning approach for waste heat utilization in the steel industry, capable of generating adaptive optimal solutions. Following a numerical study, this new model predicts minimal deviation from actual performance even under highly uncertain conditions. Besevli et al. ^[66] employed various combined cycles, including the steam Rankine cycle, to harness waste heat from the annealing furnace of a steel plant. The recovered waste heat is released into the low-temperature oxygen line within the plant, enabling the condenser to operate at lower temperature and pressure compared to conventional systems.

2.4.   Waste heat utilization in refineries

The underutilization of low-temperature waste heat resources, such as condensate, spent steam, and low-pressure steam, is prevalent in refineries during the process production. The temperature of condensate typically ranges from 60 to 100 ℃, and can sometimes be higher, depending on the pressure and purpose of the steam. The temperature and pressure of low-pressure steam, also known as exhaust steam, are relatively low, usually not suitable for driving machinery, and fall within the range of 30 to 60 ℃. The temperature of low-pressure steam generally lies between 100 and 150 ℃.

Zhang et al. ^[67] utilized low-temperature waste heat, such as condensate, spent steam, and low-pressure steam, for power generation through the ORC. The findings revealed that the adoption of low-temperature waste heat recovery technology led to significant annual energy savings and emission reductions compared to traditional heating methods. The annual net income from power generation was 8.698 million yuan. Mu et al. ^[68] conducted a study on the impact of flue gas waste heat recovery and pressure drop on energy conservation and carbon reduction in a heating furnace rail heat exchanger. The findings indicated that reducing the pressure drop of flue gas can significantly enhance the utilization of flue gas waste heat and reduce carbon emissions. Wang et al. ^[69] demonstrated that the largest portion of the system investment cost is attributed to the expense of solar collectors, accounting for approximately 60% in their case study. They also suggested that a significant reduction in cost could be achieved by replacing solar collectors with waste heat.

2.5.   Waste heat utilization in coal mine shafts

Coal mine waste heat refers to the residual heat generated during the production process of coal mining, which primarily encompasses activities such as ventilation, drainage, lifting, extraction, and transportation. This thermal energy typically manifests as a low temperature and holds significant potential for utilization ^[70]. In China, the harnessing of waste heat from coal mines cannot only enhance energy utilization and reduce energy consumption but also mitigate environmental pollution and facilitate green sustainable development. The primary sources of waste heat include the return air from coal mines and the dissipation from mining equipment, with the return air temperature consistently ranging between 15 to 20 ℃.

Bai et al. ^[71] discovered that employing a spray heat exchange system to recover the waste heat from mine return air results in higher heat exchange efficiency, leading to approximately 75% energy savings compared to traditional electric boiler heating. In the heat exchanger, the heat and mass transfer occurs through the downward spray of water and the upward flow of return air in a counter-current manner. After the exchange, the circulating water is heated by the warm return air and then sent back to the heat pump machine room for utilization (as shown in Figure 8). Zhu et al. ^[72] upgraded the aging heating system at Huacaotan coal mine and proposed a plan to harness waste heat from the mine for heating purposes. They implemented an air source heat pump system for building heating, a compressor waste heat utilization system for supplying hot water to bathrooms, and a mine return air waste heat utilization system to protect shafts from frost. The operational results demonstrated that this approach can save 16.157 million yuan annually compared to an electric hot water boiler program. Liu et al. ^[73] conducted continuous "thermal charging" of conventional backfilled workings based on the type of mine heat source. Furthermore, in the presence of high-temperature surrounding rock, the heat recovery rate exceeds 1, and with "thermal charging, " the solid ratio demonstrates significantly improved performance compared to conventional rock thermal storage. Zhai et al. ^[74] proposed an improvement scheme for a high-flow rate, multi-pipe rows configuration, which significantly enhanced the efficiency of the heat transfer system. The enhancement resulted in a 4.1 ℃ reduction compared to pre-improvement conditions and facilitated further recovery of waste heat from the mine return air. The fresh air outlet temperature increased by 7.8 ℃ leading to an overall 10% increase in heat transfer efficiency.

2.6.   Waste heat utilization in data centers

In recent years, with the advancement of big data, cloud computing, and other technologies, there has been a growing demand for data processing, transmission, storage, and related services, and the scale of data centers is also expanding. The energy consumption of data centers is much higher than that of ordinary commercial buildings. Surveys have shown that data centers use about 3% of the world's electricity, yet they account for nearly 4% of greenhouse gas emissions ^[75]. Itis worth noting that the energy consumption of data centers far exceeds that of typical commercial buildings, due to their primary heat source being the servers housed within ^[76]. When operational, the IT equipment, uninterruptible power supply, and auxiliary equipment in the server room generate a significant amount of heat. As a result, it is essential for the server room to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity environment year-round. Therefore, data centers generally employ two types of natural cooling technologies: Air-side and water-side. Due to the heat resistance of the electronic equipment in the data center, the waste heat generated is typically low-grade waste heat below 85 ℃, primarily derived from the hot air (30~40 ℃) within the machine room.

Khosravi et al. ^[77] conducted a study on two different technologies, heat pumps and heat-only boilers, for recovering waste heat from data centers and LuxTurrim5G smart poles, and utilizing it in a low-temperature district heating network. The research indicates that this technology is both efficient and cost-effective. Wahlroos et al. ^[78] conducted an analysis of the potential for waste heat utilization in data centers located in the Nordic countries. The primary obstacles to leveraging waste heat include its low quality (e.g., low temperature or unstable heat sources) and high investment costs. This pertains to utilizing low-grade heat for heating purposes in data centers with peak loads. Li et al. ^[79] proposed a water tank and borehole thermal storage system for short- and long-term thermal energy storage, achieving a 31% reduction in peak load with a storage efficiency exceeding 80%. The borehole thermal energy storage system demonstrated an impressive waste heat utilization rate of 96%.

Chen et al. ^[80] implemented a waste heat recovery system utilizing a water source heat pump and thermal storage tank. Simulation results showed that the system achieved a thermal energy savings of approximately 46.1% compared to the traditional air-cooled heat pump system, representing an improvement in savings of 64.4% over the traditional water source heat pump. Gai et al. ^[81] developed two types of heat extraction systems to optimize the simulation of cooling and waste heat recovery. The results indicated that at outdoor wet bulb temperatures between 8~10 ℃, the higher the temperature, the lower the energy consumption in cooling mode. Considering a data center with 9,142 kW heat dissipation in different cities, it was calculated that the waste heat exceeded 10,000,000 kWh. Yang et al. ^[82] proposed a model predictive control strategy for winter operation aimed at reducing the energy consumption of a data center. They also developed a water source heat pump system for waste heat recovery. The results showed that the control strategy reduced indoor temperature overshoot by 17.54%. Guo et al. ^[83] integrated a refrigeration system with a soil source heat pump to establish a soil-assisted refrigeration and waste heat recovery system. The experiment demonstrated that it could conserve 4,420 tons of standard coal, resulting in an annual cost savings of approximately 2.21 million yuan. The annual temperature increase of the soil source was approximately 0.03 ℃, effectively achieving thermal equilibrium. Li et al. ^[84] found that peak load can contribute to 20% of the heating expenses for a campus district heating system in Norway. They found that implementing tank heat storage could reduce the costs associated with peak loads by 15%. Huang et al. ^[85] developed a novel palmate lobe-shaped finned LHTES device inspired by bionic technology. The new LHTES device demonstrated a 21.0% reduction in charging time and a 38.2% reduction in discharging time compared to the conventional device.

3.   Heat storage technology

We focused on the comprehensive application of industrial waste heat recovery and seasonal heat storage technology. The waste heat recovery system provides a heat source for the seasonal heat storage system by capturing and utilizing the waste heat generated during industrial processes. This integration not only improves the efficiency of energy utilization but also achieves long-term heat storage through seasonal heat storage. Furthermore, this technological integration reduces dependence on external energy sources, lowers operating costs, and significantly improves the environmental benefits of the system. By optimizing the operational strategies of both components, efficient cyclic utilization of thermal energy can be achieved, offering a sustainable solution for building heating and industrial thermal energy requirements. Thermal storage technology is a widely employed method for utilizing industrial waste heat to achieve seasonal energy storage. This process involves converting waste heat into thermal energy, which is then stored and released during periods of peak energy demand or when traditional energy sources are in short supply. The thermal storage technologies that are widely implemented include sensible heat energy storage (SHS), latent heat storage (LHS), and thermochemical heat storage (THS) ^[86,87].

The primary objective of developing thermal storage technology is to address the challenge of the energy supply-demand imbalance and to enhance the efficiency of energy utilization. This technology is particularly effective in mitigating the temporal and spatial disparities in energy consumption. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, do not always generate energy in concert with the timing of demand ^[88]. For instance, solar energy is most abundantly produced during daylight hours, yet energy demand persists throughout the night. Thermal energy storage technology enables the capture and storage of excess thermal energy generated during the day, which can subsequently be released to meet demand during the night.

Additionally, while some regions may possess an abundance of thermal energy resources, others may not. Thermal storage technology facilitates the transfer of thermal energy between different locations, enabling spatial redistribution of energy. Many industrial processes generate significant amounts of waste heat, which, if not captured, is lost to the environment as unused energy. By storing this waste heat or surplus energy for future use in power generation or heating, thermal storage technology significantly improves energy efficiency ^[89]. The output of renewable energy sources is often variable and dependent on factors such as weather conditions, which can lead to instability in energy supply. Thermal storage technology serves as a crucial buffer, balancing supply and demand to ensure a more stable energy supply. Consequently, thermal storage technology plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable development of energy systems, achieving efficient energy use, and supporting the broader adoption of clean energy sources.

3.1.   Sensible heat storage technology

SHS involves using the change in material temperature to directly store and release thermal energy. It primarily includes Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES), and Pit Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) technologies. The Water Pit thermal storage system is the most reliable and widely applied seasonal energy storage system ^[90]. Thermal energy storage is a promising technology that can bridge the intermittency gap of solar energy. Thermal energy storage systems accumulate excess thermal energy generated by intermittent energy sources and supply the required heat on demand at the necessary time and location. Therefore, thermal energy storage systems provide a solution to the temporal mismatch between energy demand and supply.

3.1.1.   Aquifer thermal energy storage

As a natural underground reservoir composed of strata with high water content and porosity, surrounded by upper and lower impermeable layers, such a structure renders it an ideal site for seasonal thermal energy storage (STES). ATES technology is the most cost-effective among sensible heat storage technologies and offers the advantage of high capacity. However, it necessitates favorable geological conditions and typically achieves a storage temperature of only 40~50 ℃, thereby limiting its range of application ^[91]. ATES technology operates based on the principle that during the warm season, solar energy is used to heat low-temperature water in cold wells, which is then injected into hot wells for heat storage. In the cold season, hot water is extracted from the hot wells to serve as a low-temperature heat source for the heat pump system to supply warmth, and the low-temperature water, after being pumped for heat, is reinjected into the cold wells ^[92]. The schematic is shown in Figure 9.

The assessment of ATES performance heavily relies on sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for simulation and analysis. For instance, Yapparova et al.'s study ^[94] highlighted that a greater distance between the hot water wells and the cold water wells leads to improved thermal energy storage effectiveness. Additionally, an increase in thermal energy storage temperature results in decreased thermal energy storage efficiency. Oh et al. ^[95] explored a technique for integrating residual energy from photovoltaic systems with storage in an aquifer. Practical cases demonstrated that storing heat for 6 hours during the night can result in a reduction of more than 60% in daytime power consumption. Sifnaios et al. ^[96] conducted an analysis on the high flexibility of TES storage, demonstrating its potential to increase PV capacity by 35% and expedite the achievement of carbon neutrality. However, in comparison with TTES, PTES systems offer greater advantages due to lower system costs and higher utilization of renewable energy. It is also crucial to understand how to ensure the profitability of the system.

3.1.2.   Borehole thermal energy storage

A buried pipe is a facility that utilizes underground space for heat exchange. The construction process commences with the drilling of holes to a specific depth below the ground, followed by the installation of multiple vertically positioned U-tubes in these holes, forming what are known as drilled heat exchangers. Heat is then transferred through these exchangers via the circulation of heat carriers (usually water). The optimal depth of the borehole is determined by factors such as the heat transfer properties of the ground, the natural temperature of the subsurface, the level of the water table, the distribution of heat loads, and the distance to other heat storage systems ^[97]. One of the configurations for non-heating and heating seasons as shown in Figures 10 and 11. In some buried pipe systems, horizontally placed heat exchangers can be utilized, making these systems relatively inexpensive to construct and more cost-effective than vertical borehole systems due to the shallow drilling depth ^[98]. The performance of underground pipe systems is significantly impacted by climate change, leading to potential high heat losses and increased drilling costs during installation, as well as higher initial expenses.

Yang et al. ^[99] demonstrated that utilizing phase change materials with low transition temperatures in summer and high transition temperatures in winter for backfilling can enhance the heat exchange efficiency of underground heat exchangers. Guo et al. ^[100] injected 33,458.6 GJ of thermal energy into a 500,000 m³ borehole, resulting in an average soil temperature increase of approximately 25 ℃. The findings indicated that BTES has the potential to enhance the flexibility, resilience, and energy efficiency of heat supply networks. The research team led by Xu et al. ^[101] implemented a 500,000 m³ borehole thermal storage system to capture waste heat from an on-site solar thermal power plant and a copper plant. The efficacy of the BTES model was assessed. The findings indicated that employing a timed combination control operation strategy makes the system more advantageous in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions compared to area control and overall control. Zhang et al. ^[102] observed that increasing the spacing between boreholes can mitigate thermal disturbances and enhance heat extraction capacity. Sun et al. ^[103] observed that the distribution of drilled holes downstream of advection can effectively reduce heat accumulation. Shi et al. ^[104] conducted a comparison of the thermal conductivity of the ground across six geological structures, revealing that the thickest layer of clay, measuring 60 m, exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity. The heat transfer rate between a vertically bored heat exchanger and its surrounding ground varies depending on the length of the borehole. Guo et al. ^[105] introduced a semi-analytical solution known as the "MVQ solution". The findings indicated that, in terms of mean absolute percentage error for average well wall temperature, the MVQ solution demonstrates a 48% improvement in accuracy compared to the conventional solution.

3.1.3.   Pit thermal energy storage

In the early stages, thermal storage technology primarily existed in the form of Tank Thermal Energy Storage (TTES) ^[107], which was categorized into above-ground, semi-buried, and fully buried types. The fundamental principle behind this technology is the use of water's specific heat capacity to store and release thermal energy. Under non-adiabatic conditions, the issue of heat loss in TTES is quite pronounced. Moreover, with the development of the social economy and the growth of energy demand, the required capacity of water tanks continues to increase, leading to a rise in construction cost. TTES is gradually evolving towards large bodies of water thermal storage systems to cope with the growing demand for thermal energy. This process reflects significant advances in the scale, efficiency, and application areas of thermal storage technology.

PTES operates by storing heated water in a large excavated basin with an insulated cover, or in an artificial storage container constructed of reinforced concrete/stainless steel below or near the surface (also known as an in-ground tank). The sides and bottom of the basin are typically lined with a polymer material ^[108]. Compared to ATES and BTES, PTES is less susceptible to hydrogeological conditions, but it comes with a higher cost ^[109]. The heat source for seasonal heat storage is predominantly solar energy; therefore, this section mainly refers to solar seasonal heat storage projects. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a solar seasonal heat storage engineering system. The geometric shapes of STES water bodies mainly include four types: Cylindrical, inverted conical, square, and inverted pyramid. The sectional view of an inverted prismatic type thermal storage water body as shown in Figure 13.

In terms of control strategy and prediction, Li et al. ^[111] conducted an analysis of the impact of control strategies on the thermal collection performance and entropy efficiency of the system, demonstrating that flow control results in a 10% higher solar energy collection efficiency compared to temperature control. Tafuni et al. ^[112] conducted a study on a dual-media thermal storage system comprised of gravel and water, which was analyzed based on the hourly heating demand and weather data. The findings indicated that the storage system effectively mitigated greenhouse environmental impacts. He et al. ^[113] examined the heat transfer process of the insulated floating cover in PTES and found that the significant heat loss was attributed to the direct contact between the insulated top cover and the soil. Michele et al. ^[114] proposed a tool for minimizing prediction errors, enabling the calculation of storage heat loss and determination of the optimal insulation thickness. When applied to the REPLICATE project, this model calculated an optimal hot water tank volume of 3,800 m³ and a solar field area of 1,000 m². The biogas power generation technology in Europe, which involves managing substantial quantities of digestate for 120~180 days, bears similarities to seasonal water storage. Balsari et al. ^[115] developed and implemented a cover system for digestate storage tanks, which was experimentally demonstrated to effectively store recovered biogas, thereby preventing 1,260 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year and increasing methane production by 3%.

In terms of heat transfer studies in water bodies, Bai et al. ^{[116,117,118]} conducted three studies. In the first study, they investigated the impact of geometry on factors such as the thermal capacity of heating water pits, revealing that a decrease in sidewall area and an increase in sidewall slope both lead to higher efficiency in water storage within the pit. Additionally, water pits with smaller slopes exhibited a more rapid increase in thermal stratification. In the second study, they focused on heat storage conditions and thermal stratification phenomena in underground water pits. The experimental data and simulation results from a 3,000 m³ underground water pit in Huangdi City, China were analyzed. The heat storage efficiency was determined to be 62%, with most heat loss occurring at the sidewalls of the pit, accounting for 57%. Additionally, an investigation into the heat stratification effect in hot water storage tanks revealed that natural convection primarily occurs in the upper part of the cylindrical tank. The shape of the tank had a significant impact on thermal stratification, with the cylindrical tank having a height to diameter ratio of 1:1 exhibiting the highest energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and lowest entropy yield. Chang et al. ^[108] conducted a study on the transient natural convection phenomenon in an underground seasonal thermal water storage system. Their findings revealed that heat loss from the water body led to a reduction in water temperature near the wall surface, resulting in sidewall flow; as a result, thermal storage efficiency decreased rapidly from 100% to 83.19% within the initial 5 minutes and then stabilized after approximately 40 minutes.

Regarding the mixing of hot and cold water bodies in the water pits, there are proposals to separate hot and cold tanks and conduct research on hot and cold layering theory. Li et al. ^[119] observed that, during simultaneous charging and discharging, water mixing in the tanks is more pronounced at the onset of water use, with the thermocline layer initially thickening before thinning. Throughout the water usage period, the rate of change in thermocline thickness remains minimal. Chang et al. ^[120] discovered that variations in inlet velocity and temperature result in fluctuations in outlet temperature. Specifically, an increase in inlet velocity leads to higher velocities within the thermocline region, while an increase in inlet temperature corresponds to a decrease in the frequency of oscillations within the thermocline region. Wang et al. ^[121] experimentally observed that as the storage and exothermic temperatures increase, so does the exothermic efficiency. Furthermore, with an increasing number of consecutive storage and exothermic cycles, the thickness of the inclined thermocline layer grows, leading to a decrease in the effective utilization rate of the storage tank. Falcoz et al. ^[122] conducted a study on the impact of fluid distribution on storage in a filled bed thermocline. The findings indicated that the overall storage performance was unaffected by fluid distribution, and that radial temperature exhibited the most uniformity.

Additionally, a variety of energy storage technologies exist, including underground geotechnical energy storage. Subsurface geotechnical energy storage technologies harness industrial waste heat to warm underground formations and store thermal energy within them. Erasmus et al. ^[123] utilized a campus photovoltaic-diesel generator to demonstrate the feasibility of storing waste heat from microgrids using a bedrock Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, and showed that the thermal energy can be effectively utilized through two strategies: Deferrable and non-deferrable.

3.2.   Latent heat storage technology

The technology of phase change material (PCM) energy storage involves the absorption or release of a significant amount of heat during the transformation of the phase change material between solid, liquid, and gas states ^[124]. Various methods such as melting/solidification, evaporation/condensation, sublimation/condensation, or other types of phase changes under specific constant temperature conditions are employed in thermal energy storage technology. In comparison to SHS, phase change latent heat offers greater capacity, higher energy density, constant storage temperature (nearly isothermal during charging and discharging), and improved chemical stability and safety. Researchers have also investigated the use of PCMs for thermal energy storage in buildings ^[125] to meet the thermal comfort requirements of residents. The utilization of PCM in battery thermal management systems ^[126] represents an effective passive method for thermal regulation, offering low operational costs and consistent temperature control. PCMs are considered a primary focus within the realm of phase change thermal storage technology. They can be classified into inorganic materials, organic materials, composite materials, and graphite-based materials based on type ^[127]. The thermophysical properties of some PCMs are shown in Table 4.

The technology of phase change heat storage using hydrated salt offers the benefits of high heat storage density and low cost. Liu et al. ^[143] utilized sodium acetate trihydrate as the heat storage material and employed cylindrical PCM to fill the bed phase change heat storage device. The experimental findings indicated that an increase in the heat storage temperature and flow rate could expedite the filling process. Li et al. ^[144] conducted preparation and analysis of the ternary mixed molten salt NaNO₃-LiNO₃-NaCl. The experimental findings indicated a 45.3 ℃ reduction in the phase transition temperature of NaNO₃-LiNO₃-NaCl compared to pure NaNO₃, demonstrating higher thermal decomposition temperature and improved thermal stability. Revising the sentence: "Exploring high-performance PCMs ^[145] is of great significance in advancing technology. The thermal conductivity of PCMs ^[146] plays a crucial role. Improved sentence: Enhancing the thermal conductivity of PCMs involves elucidating the phonon scattering mechanism in PCMs and expanding the pathways for thermal conductivity. Due to the intricate electrochemical reactions occurring at various temperatures, lithium-ion batteries ^[147] exhibit sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and possess a relatively limited operational temperature range. Heyhat et al. ^[148] conducted simulations on the melting process of nano-PCMs within porous media and demonstrated that compositions of porous PCMs are more effective. The utilization of porous PCMs lowers the average battery temperature but has a detrimental impact on the battery's thermal management system. Jilte et al. ^[149] devised the arrangement of cells, primary containers, and secondary containers. The results demonstrated that the 7 × 7 × 1 arrangement exhibited superior cooling performance.

3.3.   Thermochemical heat storage technology

THS involves the conversion of industrial waste heat into chemical energy through thermo-chemical reactions, thereby enabling energy storage. The thermal storage system utilizes a heat storage medium to store and release heat through reversible chemical adsorption or chemical reaction. THS is an emerging technology still in the research and development stage, yet it holds significant potential. In comparison to sensible and latent heat technologies, THS systems offer higher energy storage density, longer duration of energy storage, and minimal heat loss throughout the entire process.

Chang et al. ^[150] integrated hydrogen storage with THS by proposing a sandwich reactor, which offers the advantage of a larger heat transfer area and reduced heat transfer thermal resistance, resulting in enhanced rates of heat transfer and hydrogen storage. Xu et al. ^[151] developed a composite adsorption cooling system to achieve efficient cooling and dehumidification by utilizing waste heat from fuel cells. The results demonstrated that the overall efficiency of this composite system in recovering fuel cell waste heat was 67.3%. Funayama et al. ^[152] utilized molten salt as a heat transfer medium for loading composites into a bed reactor. Their results demonstrated that integrating THS with a thermocline of molten salt can enhance the system's thermocline temperature and provide greater flexibility in variable discharge. Li et al. ^[153] proposed the direct extraction of flue gas from a thermal power generating unit to heat molten salt for thermal storage. Simulations indicated that this approach could result in a 10% reduction in peak temperature within thermal generating units. Lu et al. ^[154] integrated a packed bed with anisotropic heat transfer into a molten salt thermocline storage system, resulting in significantly enhanced effective discharge time and efficiency. Adsorption heat storage ^[155] is a form of chemical heat storage that utilizes the desorption/adsorption process of adsorbent and adsorbent mass to absorb/release a significant amount of thermal energy for energy storage and release. The heat storage density can reach as high as 800 to 2,600 kJ/kg, and it is categorized into hydrated salt system and ammonia complex system.

All energy storage technologies have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Moving forward, the advancement of energy storage technology will focus on achieving high energy density, low cost, extended lifespan, and environmental sustainability. The research progress in industrial waste heat storage technology encompasses a range of energy storage methods, enhancing not only the efficiency of energy storage but also enabling the efficient utilization of heat energy. These research findings offer crucial technical support for achieving sustainable energy usage.

4.   Example of a seasonal energy storage system

In this chapter, multiple instances of seasonal energy storage systems will be presented to illustrate their practical applicability and advantages. These systems harness renewable solar energy to achieve a seasonal energy balance by storing surplus energy and releasing it as needed ^[156,157].

4.1.   The long-term PTES demonstration project in Huangdicheng town

The Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEE, CAS) has established a 3,000 m³ hot water storage facility in Zhangjiakou for the Huangdicheng town (as shown in Figure 14). The solar heating system is comprised of three sub-systems ^[158]: The solar collection sub-system, the UWPS sub-system, and the heating sub-system (Figure 15).

The key system components comprise a heliostat field, a tower receiver, an underground hot water storage pit, and a buffer tank. Throughout the non-heating season, the heliostat field and tower receiver are responsible for capturing solar energy, converting it into thermal energy, and transferring it to the hot water storage pit for thermal energy storage. During the heating season, thermal energy stored in the hot water storage pit is released and supplied to customers for heating and hot water. A buffer tank is utilized for heating during this period, and when its temperature falls too low, seasonal hot water storage is employed for combined heating purposes. The hot water from the hot water storage system is utilized to transfer heat to the buffer tank via plate heat exchange, enabling heating of a 3,000 square meter energy-efficient building. This project eliminates the need for a gas boiler heating system.

4.2.   Seasonal energy storage project in Langkazi, Tibet

The Tibet Langkazi project, similar to the Yellow Emperor City project, features a total collector area of 24,300 square meters, a thermal storage pool capacity of 15,000 cubic meters, and an initial phase indoor heating area of 82,600 square meters (as shown in Figure 16).

During winter, as the ground temperature decreases and geothermal energy supply diminishes, stored thermal energy will be extracted and utilized for heating through the heat exchange system, ensuring stable winter heating. After 5 months of data measurement, the solar energy guarantee rate has consistently reached 100% (as shown in Figure 17).

4.3.   A large-scale seasonal borehole thermal energy storage system for industrial waste heat and solar energy in Chifeng

Xu ^[160] and his team established a living laboratory in Chifeng City, China, which includes three subsystems: An industrial waste heat recovery system, a solar thermal energy system, and a borehole thermal energy storage system. This laboratory integrates a 500,000 cubic meter borehole thermal energy storage system, an on-site solar thermal power plant, and the waste heat from a copper factory. The collector area of this system reaches 1,004 m², comprising 468 boreholes, each extending to a depth of 80 m. This setup is capable of providing a heating power of 7.5 MW, serving a building area of 150,000 m². The system is designed with a storage temperature of 50 ℃, and it achieves an annual heat storage capacity of 20,000 GJ. As shown in Figure 18, this project is a successful case of combining waste heat recovery from a copper factory with STES, which is of great significance for controlling CO₂ emissions and researching STES.

Guo et al. ^[161] integrated simulation and experimentation to calibrate the soil's thermal properties, thereby assessing the long-term energy and exergy performance of the system. By constructing a simulation model, the system was simulated for a period of 10 years, predicting that the cyclic energy efficiency of the studied system would be 83.1%, and the exergy efficiency would be 40.7%. The research indicates that the main cause of exergy loss is the internal heat transfer process within the BTES. The total drilling length has the most significant impact, followed by the circulation flow rate and the spacing between boreholes. In order to maximize the utilization of renewable energy and industrial waste heat, Fang Guo and colleagues ^[162] have introduced and discussed the design concepts, control strategies, and optimization methods.

4.4.   Marstal

The PTES in Marstal, constructed in 2012, has a capacity of 75,000 m³ and can store approximately 6,000 MWh. It is powered by a solar collector field consisting of 15,000 m² of flat plate collectors and supplies heat to around 1,600 consumers (as shown in Figure 19).

The average supply temperature is 73 ℃, while the return temperature hovers around 40 ℃. The system undergoes charging via the solar collector field in spring and summer, and discharging in fall and winter.

5.   Conclusions

Addressing the issue of underutilization of a large amount of industrial waste heat, we provide a comprehensive review of the research progress related to industrial waste heat recovery systems and seasonal energy storage systems. The basic principles and applications of key technologies for waste heat recovery in industrial sectors such as thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, steel mills, data centers, oil refineries, and coal mines are presented. Industrial waste heat recovery systems represent a promising approach to energy utilization that can effectively improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This technology faces several challenges, including the research and optimization of heat storage materials and the design and control of recovery systems to improve thermal recovery efficiency. In response to the mismatch in time, space, and temperature (grade) in the utilization of low-grade industrial waste heat in summer, the construction of large-scale heat storage bodies to store waste heat can form a clean heating mode and reduce carbon emissions for winter heating. Therefore, we introduce three types of heat storage methods: SHS, LHS, and THS, and discuss three heat storage methods, including ATES, BTES, and PTES. Finally, four case studies of seasonal heat storage systems in underground water bodies are presented to provide a reference for future research.

Use of AI tools declaration

The authors declare they have not used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of this article.

Acknowledgment

We are grateful for the financial support of National Key R & D Program of China (NO2022YFC3802404).

Conflict of interest

All authors declare no conflicts of interest in this paper.

Author contributions

Jialin Song (First Author): Conceptualization, Methodology, Funding acquisition, Project administration; Haoyi Zhang: Investigation, Data curation, Writing-original draft; Mingfei He: Formal curation, Resources; Yanming Zhang: Supervision, Validation; Zhongjiao Ma (Corresponding Author): Visualization, Writing—review & editing.