Examples of solar process heat system concepts

1 Examples of solar process heat system concepts 

The solar support of process steam generation is usually only economical when a significant part of the steam is used in the processes directly (the steam network is an open or partly open system). Solar heating of the additional, demineralised make-up water can be attractive heating of the condensate return flow or the feed water directly is more expensive because of the high temperatures. Additionally, at state-of-the-art installations, the feed water is usually pre-heated by an economizer. 

In (partially) open steam networks, the demineralised make-up water is usually mixed with the returning condensate and has to be degassed before it can enter the steam boiler. This degasification is usually done thermally using process steam from the steam boiler. 

---