SOLAR PROCESS HEAT
A vast number of industrial processes that require thermal energy can be realised by integrating traditional energy sources with solar energy. In sectors where medium temperature heat is required concentrating and tracking collectors can be used to generate process heat. Energy savings and environmental pollution reduction are particularly efficient in processes where daily and annual demands for heat are constant (e.g. enhanced oil recovery), or where peaks of demand are reached during summer (e.g.: beverage industry).
Industrial processes suitable for integration with solar concentrating collectors
Industry |
Process
|
Temperature [°C]
|
Food and beverages |
cleaning
pasteurisation
sterilisation
drying
cooking
|
80 – 150
80 – 110
130 – 150
130 – 240
80 – 100
|
Plastic |
extrusion and drying
|
150 – 180
|
Chemical |
heat treatments
boiling
distillation
drying
|
150 – 180
95 – 100
110 – 300
150 – 180
|
Paper |
bleaching and drying
|
130 – 180
|
Textile |
washing
heat treatment
bleaching
dyeing
|
80 – 100
80 – 130
60 – 100
100 – 160
|
Industrial cleaning |
steam washing
|
150
|
Oil & Gas |
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
|
300
|
Further Solar Thermal Applications
SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Soltigua’s concentrating collectors can be used to generate power in combination with thermal power blocks such as ORCs (Organic Rankine Cycle) or steam turbines.
SOLAR COOLING
Solar cooling is one of the most fascinating applications of solar energy, because it generates air-conditioning directly from the sun.