BetaTalk - The Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Heating Podcast Heat Recovery: Turning Waste into Warmth with DK Heat Recovery
Jun 17, 2025
This discussion reveals an innovative approach to heat recovery that captures waste heat from refrigeration to produce hot water, significantly boosting energy efficiency. Hear intriguing examples from food processing facilities, gyms, and even bakeries that showcase the potential of this technology. The hosts tackle challenges in adoption and the importance of education in the sector. They explore how advancements like ammonia and CO2 refrigerants are revolutionizing heating and cooling systems, making a compelling case for sustainability in various industries.
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Nigel's Heat Recovery Origin Story
- Nigel got interested in heat recovery while running his own food business with high energy use from refrigeration and cooking.
- He first tried blowing heat out of a hot roof space, then researched heat recovery and started DK Heat Recovery company.
Refrigeration Systems as Heat Pumps
- Refrigeration systems act like heat pumps that expel heat which can be intercepted from the refrigerant to heat water.
- DK Heat Recovery captures this heat and raises water temperature for free, saving energy for hot water use.
Diverse Applications of Heat Recovery
- DK Heat Recovery installs systems in diverse places like slaughterhouses, bakeries, and surprisingly garden centres due to their fridge cabinets.
- They also work with gyms, gyms using recovered heat for showers, showing versatile heat recovery applications.