Selvaraj Vijayan

A major challenge in creating a vacuum solar tube air collector for industrial use is selecting the optimal thermal networks to reach the desired temperature for a specific flow rate. To develop a thermal network model using empirical correlations for industrial process heat applications, a theoretical analysis is performed to evaluate design features like the diameter and length of the evacuated tubes, as well as the quantity of tubes in a module, all of which impact thermal performance. The results of the design parametric study indicate that a collector system is best characterized by 20 evacuated tubes, each with an absorber and transparent diameters of 47 mm & 58 mm length of 1800 mm, respectively. Additionally, as the number of collectors in a series network increase, there is a notable reduction in the temperature rise for each collection. Based on the thermal network composed of two modules operating at 300 kg/h can provide optimum performance. The results indicate that the proposed evacuated tube solar system is capable of efficiently supplying hot air at temperatures between 80 and 100 °C, making it suitable for a range of industrial process heating applications.

Moisture-free compressed air is essential in many engineering and industrial processes, and temperature swing adsorption (TSA) dryers are widely used to achieve ultra-low dew points. However, scaling TSA systems from laboratory to industrial capacities introduces challenges that numerical models alone may not fully capture, including uneven airflow and heat distribution. This study addresses these limitations by experimentally evaluating three heat regeneration modes-internal heating, external heating, and compressed air heating-at pilot-to-industrial scale. The experimental data, validated against established numerical methods, assess dryer performance across flow rates of 1000–5000 m ³ /h, pressures of 5 × 10 ⁵ –10 × 10 ⁵ N/m ² , and feed air temperatures between 25°C and 45°C. The results show specific electrical energy requirements of 0.176, 0.342, and 0 kW/m ³ /min for internal, external, and compressed air heating, respectively. Compressed air heating also eliminates the need for dried regeneration air. Under typical operating conditions (35°C, 8 × 10 ⁵ N/m ² , 3000 m ³ /h), all three modes exhibit similar total energy and capital costs. However, compressed air heating provides the lowest operational energy demand, making it the most efficient option. This study offers practical guidance for selecting regeneration strategies and underscores the essential role of experimental methods in validating models and optimizing full-scale TSA systems.

In this experimental work, the energy performance of solar PV/T water heating system for different packing factors under glazed and unglazed conditions is inves In this experimental work, the energy performance of solar PV/T water heating system for different packing factors under glazed and unglazed conditions is inves

Energy is the key factor in driving the economic progress and the development of any country. Industrial sectors consume a huge amount, accounting for nearly 32 to 35% of global energy consumption. Utilizing solar thermal energy is a step toward a sustainable and carbon-free energy future. Due to availability, economic viability, and environmental advantages, solar thermal energy is acknowledged as a viable alternative to replace conventional sources of energy in industries for process heating applications. In this chapter, the types of solar thermal collectors and their applications in different industrial processes are discussed. Further, the necessary assessments to be implemented for adopting solar thermal technologies in an industrial location and the hurdles to be considered such as technological, economic, social barriers, etc. are also discussed. Solar thermal conversion systems may be applied for many industrial applications in industries to support sustainable development.

The automobile sector is one of the world’s most important industries, with significant energy demands in both thermal and electrical forms. Many operations in the production of automobiles and auto components, including casting, forging, painting, and electroplating, need the use of heat or steam. Around 70% of the total energy consumed by the vehicle industry is thermal energy in the form of heat or steam. Solar collectors are capable of supplying a significant portion of thermal energy needed for industrial process heating, but the collector technology utilized is very dependent on the temperatures involved. The application of appropriate solar thermal technology can have a favourable influence on the overall energy and environmental situation of the automobile sector. There are several solar thermal technologies available for the automobile industry, including CST technologies. The solar-assisted process heating system reduced 30 to 40% of the expenditure on electricity and conventional fuels like coal, natural gas, LPG, diesel, etc. This chapter discusses the overview of the automobile industry’s energy consumption profile for various process heating applications and the temperature involved in the operations. The feasibility of utilizing solar thermal energy conversion technologies for fulfilling the thermal energy requirements is also discussed along with the attainable temperature. The later part of the chapter includes the successful implementation of solar thermal systems situated in different parts of the world.

Solar Thermal Conversion Technologies for Industrial Process Heating presents a comprehensive look at the use of solar thermal energy in industrial applications, such as textiles, chemical processing, and food. The successful projects implemented in a variety of industries are shown in case studies, alongside performance assessment methodologies. The book includes various solar thermal energy conversion technologies and new techniques and applications of solar collectors in industrial sectors. Features: Covers the key designs and novel technologies employed in the processing industries Discusses challenges in the incorporation of the solar thermal system in industrial applications Explores the techno-economic, environmental impact and life cycle analysis with government policies for promoting the system Includes real-world case studies Presents chapters written by global experts in the field The book will be useful for researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals with an aim to promote mutual understanding between sectors dealing with solar thermal energy.