Solar Heat in the Brazilian Dairy Industry: A Preliminary Economic Assessment
Abstract
This study assesses the feasibility of using Solar Heating for Industrial Processes (SHIP) in the Brazilian dairy industry, for both preheating and steam generation. Simulations were carried out in TRNSYS for three SHIP integration concepts to a representative dairy plant at several Brazilian locations. The Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) for each system was calculated and compared to natural gas and firewood prices. Although technically feasible, SHIP usage is still not profitable when current collector costs are considered. This work aims to assess not only the best regions in Brazil for SHIP usage, but also the most adequate SHIP integration concept, solar collector type, and the necessary cost reduction or subsidization required for solar process heat to be profitable.