FRESNEL COLLECTORS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO REDUCE NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION IN INDUSTRIES LOCATED IN THE CITY OF RECIFE - PE

Abstract

There is a worldwide search for alternatives that can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of employing a hybrid system, using solar thermal energy, Fresnel collector technology, without storage, combined with natural gas boilers, for the production of process steam in the industrial sector of the city of Recife, located in the state of Pernambuco. The simulation of steam generation by the solar field was performed using the SAM. In this regard, it was observed that the hybrid operation promoted a reduction of up to 11.01% in the leveled cost of heat (R$/MWht) related to the saturated steam production. In addition, for all proposed scenarios, there was a reduction in the consumption of natural gas. Thus, hybridization becomes an option to be considered in the industrial sector that uses thermal energy, since the study points to the economic feasibility, in addition to the environmental benefits, such as the use of an inexhaustible source of energy, thus minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases. However, as it is a technology little explored in Brazil, the use of solar energy in industrial processes for heat production must be analyzed in several situations, such as the technical part and the location to be installed.