Economic Feasibility Study on an Integrated System of Solar Thermal-Heat Pump for Industrial Process Steam Supply

Thermal energy is essential for various industrial processes like liquid heating, drying, and sterilization, demanding temperatures above 100°C. It is mainly generated from fossil fuels, which often leads to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and climate crises. Therefore, it is imperative to shift from fossil-fuel based energy to renewable or cleaner energy for the sake of the environment. High-temperature heat pumps are key components for shifts in industrial fields. Industrial high-temperature heat pumps require high-temperature heat sources for evaporation. A solar thermal system can provide a high-temperature heat source and direct heat production. This study aims to evaluate the economic feasibility of an integrated system that combines a solar thermal system and a high-temperature heat pump for supplying steam to industrial processes. Modeling and performance simulations were conducted on the system using Simulink. Economic factors such as the benefit-cost ratio, net present value, and levelized cost of heating (LCOH) were analyzed based on the solar collector area. The results of the study demonstrated that the solar thermal-heat pump can economically substitute a 0.5-ton steam boiler. Notably, CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 1,600 tons annually by replacing LPG boilers.