Integrated Waste Heat Recovery and Utilization System for Coastal Fishing Vessels

This study proposes a waste heat recovery and utilization system for fishing vessels to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The system integrates thermoelectric power generation, absorption refrigeration, and solar thermal collection to effectively repurpose waste heat from diesel engines. A case study and comparison analysis were conducted to evaluate the system performance. The results indicate that hierarchical waste heat utilization improves onboard energy management and contributes to fuel savings. A seasonal operation strategy is introduced to optimize heating and cooling efficiency, allowing adaptation to different climatic conditions. Additionally, the system’s effectiveness varies by region, with greater benefits observed in areas with higher cooling demands. The reduction in diesel consumption further leads to a decrease in atmospheric pollutant emissions, supporting more sustainable fishing operations. Overall, the proposed system presents a practical approach to improving energy efficiency and mitigating environmental impact in the fishing industry.