SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION FOR MILK PASTEURIZATION

Abstract

A design and performance analysis of pasteurization system that is based on the solar energy as a thermal source for pasteurizing the milk has been done. It is adapted for using at remote areas and village communities where the small quantities of milk delivered by individual producers who are deprived of the availability of electricity and gas. A solar flat plate collector was used as milk pasteurizer. The pasteurization temperatures were 63 and 72˚C. The solar milk pasteurizer, during September, October and November 2009, attained pasteurization temperatures in 3 to 19 minutes depending on the solar radiation, and the desired temperature for pasteurization. The average daily maximum amount of solar-pasteurized milk was 73.9 l at 63°C, while the minimum was 37.3 l at 72°C. The change in intensity of solar radiation had a direct impact on solar milk pasteurizer.