Solar Heat for Industrial Processes

Using solar energy to reduce fuel costs and environmental impact in industrial processes, typically requiring temperatures from near ambient to 400°C.

Critical factors include solar resources, temperature needs, schedules for energy use, and costs.

Total solar radiation, ambient temperature, wind speed, latitude, longitude, sunshine hours, and elevation.

Helps determine financial viability of solar thermal energy solutions.

The present value of future cash flows minus the initial investment; a positive value indicates financial viability.

Caused by pressure differences between regions, resulting from uneven heating by the sun.

The energy from moving air, converted into mechanical force or electricity.

Occur when valley floors warm during the day, causing air to rise, and cool air descends at night.

Wind flowing over turbine blades to turn them, converting wind's energy into electricity.

No pollution, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and ability to supply individual homes.

Visual impact, land use, potential harm to birds, and noise pollution.

Organic matter from plants and animals containing stored solar energy acquired through photosynthesis.

Methane gas, ethanol, and biodiesel.

Alcohol fuel made from grain sugars.

Fuel made with vegetable oils and fats.

Biodiesel results in lower emissions; burning biomass can release carbon dioxide.

Organic matter is processed to produce methane gas, a source for natural gas.

Blending reduces toxic pollutants in gasoline but can increase evaporative emissions.

It lowers emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates, carbon monoxide, air toxics, and unburned hydrocarbons, but contains almost no sulfur.