الملخص الإنجليزي
Crude oil is an important element in the global energy market, specifically in the petroleum
sector. However, the transportation of heavy crude oils is complicated by their high viscosity,
resulting in increased energy consumption and operational expenses. Addressing these
challenges is essential to improving the efficiency of petroleum transport. This research study
has aimed to design a novel system that employs solar thermal energy associated with a thermal
energy storage system to efficiently reduce heavy crude oil viscosity. This initiative was
inspired by the limitations of existing conventional heating methods, which predominantly
rely on fossil fuels and entail higher energy consumption and environmental destruction. In
contrast, the proposed system harnesses renewable energy, providing a cleaner, more costeffectivealternative solution.
The research study began with a comprehensive literature review, identifying thermal heating
as the most effective and efficient method for reducing viscosity. However, a significant gap
was found: the lack of renewable energy solutions in crude oil transportation. This finding
shaped the research methodology, combining theoretical frameworks with empirical data to
design the stand-alone thermal heating system. The system was designed to ensure that the oil
temperature could be raised from 46°C to a minimum of 50.797°C while keeping the viscosity
below the threshold value of 500 cP. The system featured multiple operational modes: ModeI harnessed solar energy during the day, while Mode-II used the stored energy in the Thermal
Energy Storage System during the night. If necessary, auxiliary heating through a PV panel
was employed in Modes III and IV to meet thermal demands.
Mathematical models were developed to simulate the system's thermal performance,
accounting for seasonal variations in solar intensity. Key findings showed that the system
effectively reduced crude oil viscosity during warmer months, reaching temperatures up to
53°C. Even in colder months, the system’s flexibility allowed it to maintain performance by
integrating the auxiliary heating system when solar energy was insufficient. Economic
analysis confirmed the system's feasibility, revealing a payback period of just three years and
an internal rate of return of 38.9%. With a net present value exceeding $4 million, the system
shows strong potential for industrial adoption.
This research study has confirmed that integrating the stand-alone solar thermal heating
system for viscosity reduction in heavy crude oils was not only feasible but also superior to
conventional methods.
