Integration of a solar thermal system in canned fish factory

• Integration of solar thermal energy in batch canning process was assessed.
• Optimal energy supply configuration was determined by Pinch analysis.
• Energy efficiency improved by integration of heat pump and solar thermal energy.
• Process fossil fuel consumption was reduced.

Based on mathematical models and pinch analysis, this work evaluates the viability of integrating a solar thermal system, in combination with a heat pump, into the conventional energy structure of a tuna fish canning factory in the Atlantic side of the Basque Country. In order to determine the potential of this technological arrangement, different hypotheses and scenarios were analysed, based on real cases of the productive process. As a result, it could be stated that the energy potential of this combination, for the studied industrial process operating at low and medium temperatures, was considerable, and should be considered for a near future.