Which process captures waste heat to improve system performance?

The process that captures waste heat to improve system performance is heat recovery. This technique involves taking heat that would otherwise be lost during various operations—such as in industrial processes, power generation, or HVAC systems—and redirecting it for reuse within the system or for other purposes. By capturing and reusing this waste heat, systems can operate more efficiently, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize emissions, leading to overall enhanced performance.

Heat recovery systems can include devices like heat exchangers, but the overarching concept of heat recovery encompasses a variety of technologies and strategies designed to reclaim lost thermal energy. In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of thermal management: heat exchange is a broader term that involves transferring heat between two or more fluids; heat transfer describes the movement of thermal energy from one material or medium to another; and heat rejection focuses on eliminating excess heat from a system rather than capturing and reusing it.