Defining Best Recipes and Optimum Parameters for the Valorization of Agri-Food Residues through Compost Heat Recovery Systems

This paper describes laboratory, pilot, and real-scale experiences to identify optimal feedstock mixtures, management strategies, and operational parameters for stable compost heat recovery. It highlights the importance of feedstock characterization, particle size, nutrient dosing, moisture control, and biochar addition in prolonging thermophilic conditions and maximizing heat extraction. The work contributes to standardising “best recipes” for CHRSs and supports their integration into sustainable farm-level energy systems.