Browsing by Author "Leseeka, Litheba Catherine"

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    Integration of solar heating systems in the textile industry
    (National University of Lesotho, 2024) Leseeka, Litheba Catherine
    Currently, fossil fuels are the mostly used source of thermal energy in the industrial sector in Lesotho. They provide the necessary heat for different industrial processes across a range of temperatures. Within the sector, the textile industry is a significant consumer of thermal energy, particularly for the wetting processes that require large amounts of hot water. As global concerns about climate change and global warming intensify, industries are required to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources. This study investigated the techno-economic viability of integrating solar water heating systems at the Vishan Clothing Laundry facility in Maseru, Lesotho, using T*SOL simulation software. The study focused on three main points: solar thermal system design, performance analysis and evaluating the economic aspects of the proposed system. To determine the most efficient system for meeting the laundry’s hot water needs, six separate simulations were conducted for a comprehensive comparative analysis. From the simulations, the optimally designed system consists of Dimas SA RADIANT RSV 25 flat-plate collectors at 30° inclination angle with a collector area of 1,980 m2 and a storage tank with a capacity of 130 m3. This configuration achieves an efficiency of 54%, and a solar fraction of 89%, indicating a significant contribution from solar energy to the overall hot water production. The economic analysis under two different financing approaches shows that the system is economically viable. The proposed system under equity financing has a capital return time of 7 years, a positive net present value (NPV) of M 13,981,755, an internal rate of return (IRR) at 16.88% and cost of solar energy at M 0.831/kWh. Under equity-debt financing, the proposed system has a capital return time of 7.9 years, and amortization period of 10.3 years, a positive NPV of M 12,983,854, an IRR at 18.78% and cost of solar energy at M 0.872/kWh. These financial indicators demonstrate the economic feasibility and potential profitability of integrating solar heating systems in the textile industry. The study further highlights the need for further research to refine the system design and improve its performance. Most importantly, the study emphasizes the necessity of conducting in-depth energy audits to accurately determine the thermal energy demand of the facility. Such audits can probably provide more precise data, ensuring that the designed system can adequately meet the thermal energy demand of the laundry facility.