Chapter 7 - Solar heating and cooling applications in agriculture and food processing systems

Abstract

The agricultural and food processing industries are considered key sectors aligned with sustainable development goals, as they play an important role in sustainable rural development. About 30% of global energy is used in these sectors, particularly thermal energy in both heating and cooling applications. Research considers solar energy technologies to be promising ways to increase system flexibility and lead to climate mitigation impacts. Different types of solar heating and cooling systems can supply a wide range of desired operating temperatures for various applications in agricultural and food processing systems. The main applications of solar thermal energy systems in the agricultural and food processing industries are solar air heaters for drying and dehydration processes, solar water heaters for both heat and food processing systems, solar cooking systems, solar heating and cooling systems for maintaining greenhouse climate, and solar-powered cooling systems for both food processing and space cooling. Furthermore, some innovative active and passive integrated solar systems such as the solar-blind concept remain underdeveloped. Further advances in solar energy integration systems in the agricultural and food processing industries will lead to considerable climate mitigation impacts as well as more resilient energy management in this sector.