Solar thermal energy for industrial heat with ENESTRA
“Solar thermal energy is a highly efficient heat source for many industrial processes in all climate zones. Regional optimization is achieved through the proper selection of the industrial process, collector type, and heat storage system.”
(Ralph Braunholz, Project Manager at ENESTRA and Sustainability Manager at C-plus-C)
A Comparison of Solar Thermal Yields Across Climate Zones?
The following differences in the yields of solar thermal systems emerge when comparing Germany with, for example, tropical regions (Colombia):
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Total annual yields per square meter of collector area are 60–90% higher in tropical regions than in central Germany.
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In central Germany, there are significant seasonal fluctuations due to the sun’s path; in contrast, yields in tropical regions depend more on cloud cover, which also varies (sometimes seasonally). During the summer months in central Germany, the yield per square meter is even higher than in tropical regions.
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The yield for solar process heat also depends on ambient temperatures (return flow). Therefore, in tropical regions, geographical elevation must be taken into account in particular.
For this reason, it is essential to select collectors and storage tanks suited to the temperature requirements and to incorporate relevant subsidies (in Central Germany) into the project planning in order to achieve attractive payback periods.
Conclusion: Depending on the specific heat demand of the industrial process, there is a specific combination of collector type and heat storage tank for every climate zone to ensure a reliable heat supply via solar thermal energy.
