Siemens has developed a technology to use waste heat, which
previously had gone unused, to generate electricity. The solution employs
silicone oils, which have a lower enthalpy of vaporization than water, and is
needed because waste heat produced in industrial plants or power stations often
does not have enough energy to drive a turbine with steam. Siemens recently
introduced its "Organic Rankine Cycle" module. Under this solution,
the working medium drives a turbine, and then cools and reverts to its initial
liquid state. Thus, electricity can be generated without the additional use of
energy or raw materials, and without producing additional carbon dioxide
emissions.