THE POTENTIAL OF SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS FOR FOOD INDUSTRY

Abstract

In this work an overview of the potential of solar industrial process heat, with emphasis on the food industry, is presented. The temperature requirements of food industry applications range from 60°C to 180°C. The characteristics of low to medium temperature solar collectors that can be employed are discussed. The efficiency of the evacuated tube collector has been measured. The results are used in a case study of the Coca Cola industry. It is found that the pay-back period is less than four years.