Harnessing energy from the sun
water heater where a rooftop tank stores heat energy.
In tropical climes such as Malaysia, the medium used is water as it doesn‘t freeze. In colder climes, glycol is the popular choice. A facility used as a demonstration project for this technology processes chicken and related products.
Asked if the method of processing chicken is different with that of the Thermal Storage technology, Mohd Fauzi said the way chicken is prepared is the same, but the difference is in solar energy used for the process.
“For example, in the chicken scalding process where hot water at 60 degrees Celsius is needed, thermal storage helps limited to applications such as processing chicken in manufacturing, as about 70 per cent of factory processes involve heating. So, businesses stand to save a lot if they use solar energy as opposed to coal, natural gas and other fuels.
He said in activities that use heat of 100 per cent and below, up to 70 per cent of the energy used is for processing. Thus, it is more cost-effective if companies run on the technology. Currently, 30 per cent of all manufacturing companies require heating up to 100 degrees and they can benefit tremenparts dously by using solar energy.
Mohd Fauzi said this will be a good option for businesses in the long run. Most will see the advantages but it‘s not without its challenges.
He said SIRIM has other projects using the system, such as a hotel in Langkawi, a frozen food producer and a beverage manufacturer.
Other applications, such as pasteurising and cleaning bottles, can also use the technology.
“We hope that these demonstration projects will be testament to the feasibility of this technology. Further, through word of mouth or other channels, it is hoped that more businesses will be convinced and take it up someday,“added Mohd Fauzi.
Through this project, SIRIM has won the National Energy Award 2018 (Category Renewable Energy: Off Grid Thermal) in recognition for organisations and companies that lead sustainable practices through energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The award was presented during the National Energy Award organised by the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry recently.
According to Mohd Fauzi, companies that are keen to save energy consumption cost should participate in relevant seminars and workshops to discover more about Thermal Storage.
SIRIM welcomes potential companies to visit the model facilities and witness the demonstration projects.