Potential of Solar Process Heat in Switzerland
Abstract
Our potential study showed that 9% of the energy consumption by the industry could be tapped with solar thermal systems. In order to check whether the theoretical potential corresponds to reality, a survey was conducted throughout Switzerland in the four industries best suited to solar process heat: food, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, paper and textiles. The participating companies provided information on their energy consumption, the proportion of process heat in certain temperature ranges and load profile among other things. Based on the enquiries three companies were selected for a closer feasibility study and a rough concept planning of a solar process heat plant. Finally, a freely available tool was developed that can be used by industry, planners, energy consultants and other interested parties without prior knowledge about solar process heat systems. The tool can be used to evaluate if solar process heat is applicable for a specific company and calculate the solar gain and give a rough cost estimation.