A Systematisation of Methods for Heat Integration of Solar Thermal Energy in Production Processes: A Review

The widespread use of fossil fuels and their limitation leads to find other sources of energy. Solar thermal energy is a possible solution. There are many projects that use renewable energy. Solar thermal energy can be easily used for heating. However, there are problems in the efficiency of solar collectors, the loss of heat, the consistency of heat supply, temperature and weather conditions, the biggest problem being the heat storage. In this paper is provided an overview of the methodologies for thermal integration of solar heating systems implemented in various projects and research. Solar heating systems have different designs and can generate heat in different temperature ranges. The main emphasis in this comprehensive overview is the systematisation of the various methodologies used in the integration of solar heat in production. In principle, solar heating systems are directly connected to the production systems. Furthermore, a few methodologies like Pinch technology, mathematical modelling and cogeneration are included.