Condenser-type Heat Exchanger for Compost Heat Recovery Systems

Abstract

The majority of heat released during composting is contained in latent form of water vapour. To improve the rate of heat recovery, a simple heat exchanger based on condensation of compost vapours was designed. A prototype of this condenser-type heat exchanger was built and tested as a part of pilot-scale compost heat recovery system. Passively aerated static pile (modified Jean-Pain mound) with enhanced aeration using vertical channels was chosen for this composting experiment. Insulation of the compost mound and adjacent hoop house further improved the efficiency of the heat recovery and utilization.