Use of Hydration Heat and Solar Energy in Prefabricated Concrete Production Lines
Abstract
The paper analyses the thermal energy requirements of an industrial production line for prefabricated concrete parts using measurements and tests. The goal is to significantly reduce the energy demand and reduce the temperature level in order to be able to integrate solar thermal process heat, and the first-time use of the hydration heat. The final production line, optimized on the basis of the research results, is presented, as well as a simulation study, which shows, that economically interesting solar thermal process heat production costs can be achieved through an optimized overall concept. Regarding the export of this production technology to countries with hot and dry climates it is also aspired, to cover the additional required cooling load by means of solar thermal driven chillers. This option should also be examined by system simulations. These simulations put also emphasis on the development of cost- effective system concepts, which allow the integration of solar thermal process heat and/ or cold.