Many developing countries, including African ones, look forward to developing strong integrated textile industries to add value to already-available raw materials. Dyeing and finishing activities are, however, energy-intensive. In many cases, these depend on imported fossil fuels. By turning to heat recovery, significant cost savings can be achieved improving profitability and competitiveness. The techniques and technologies of heat recovery from waste water and exhaust air are analysed. Experiences prove that in most cases heat recovery requires low investment and has a low payback of normally less than 2 years. The case of the Mauritian dyeing and finishing industry is highlighted, including the possible use of a low-cost heat recovery unit made from indigenous resources.
Solar energy is the source of a temperature difference of about 20 ı C between the surface and ocean layers 1 km deep. This renewable source of energy occurs at 2.5 km off the coast of Mauritius and can be used for air-conditioning in data centers that operate round the clock. The engineering, economic, and environmental implications of using naturally-available cold seawater for cooling of data centers are examined. The energy requirement of cold seawater air conditioning is 94% lower than that for conventional cooling systems. However, the risk of thermal shock and increased nutrient loading due to effluent disposal should not be overlooked.
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