Economizer
An economizer is a device used for energy conservation. It works by collecting heat from the exhaust gases of any process and using it to pre-heat the incoming air or feed water. It is similar to recycling waste heat from the inside of a building to heat and cool the rest of the building.
The most common form of economizer is in a boiler, where it collects the waste heat from the exhaust gases. This heat is used to pre-heat the feed water which then enters the boiler, resulting in higher efficiency. This also reduces displacement of air from the combustion process, which would otherwise increase emissions of pollutants.
Economizers are also sometimes used in furnaces and other systems burning solid fuel. Here, they are employed to collect heat from the fumes produced in the combustion process and use it to pre-heat the incoming air and therefore improve the efficiency of the process.
Economizers are also sometimes used in stand-alone heating and cooling systems, such as in residential or office buildings. Here, they may act as a back-up heat exchange system. In this case, the economizer is used to pre-heat the incoming supply of air or water, reducing the amount of energy required to achieve the desired temperature.
Economizers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to save energy and reduce emissions. They can be used in a variety of applications and are easy to install, making them an attractive option for anyone looking for ways to reduce their energy usage and environmental footprint.
The efficiency of an economizer depends largely on how well it is designed and installed. Correct sizing and placement is important to ensure it collects and distributes the useful energy correctly. Installing an economizer also requires good maintenance to ensure it continues to operate correctly and efficiently.
Overall, the use of an economizer is a great way to reduce energy costs and footprint while improving the efficiency of the heating or cooling system. With the correct design and installation, an economizer can be a cost effective way to save on energy and make a real difference to your energy bills.