Modeling the Feasibility of Using Solar Thermal Systems for Meeting the Heating Requirements at Corn Ethanol Production Facilities

Figure 8

Modeled cumulative cost savings and payback period for Texas (TX) and Imperial Valley, California (IV, CA), ethanol plants using the national and state natural gas prices. Model input values: = 0.72, = 4.5 W/m²-°C, = 30°C, = 3.3%, = $220/m².