Applications and Systems Studies for Solar Industrial Process Heat

The effective use of alternative energy technology industry will depend on the successful recognition, development, and implementation of appropriate applications for alternative energy supply. SERI has supported a program to identify and analyze appropriate industrial applications of solar thermal technology since 1978. The program has been highlighted by the development of analytical computerprograms, engineering case studies in specific industries, applications and market studies and the assessment of operating experience in actual solar installations. For example, two analytical computer codes (known as PROSYS and ECONMAT) have been assembled and used for the large-scale matching of industrial processes with different types of solar equipment. Verification of the results of thislarge-scale matching have resulted in a program of detailed case studies of solar and conservation options in local dairies, metal can manufacturing plants, meatpacking plants, and other factories. Successful efforts like those in industrial case studies will continue in 1980 and will be augmented by studies of industrial park growth, generic process heat systems, and solar cost analyses. Aunified and forward-looking approach will be taken in these and future studies at SERI. Emphasis of the program will be on interaction with industrial users, identification, and development of innovative systems and application, and support of communication and implementation of all forms of solar energy in the industrial market.