Design performance and economics of a low-cost solar wax melter for the candle industry

Solar thermal energy is a viable energy option for low-temperature applications (< 100 degrees C), especially in developing countries, where at present fossil fuels (coal and petroleum products) and firewood are inefficiently being used for such applications. The candle-making industry requires solid wax to be melted at about 62 degrees C. Flat-plate solar thermal collectors can be advantageously used for this purpose. This article describes the conventional method of melting wax and the solar alternative proposed. Experiments conducted using the fabricated solar wax melter of collector area 0.64 m(2) shows that about 13-15 kg of solid wax could be melted per day. An economic analysis done to compare the cost of the solar wax melter with that of the conventional methods of melting wax indicates the economic viability of the proposed system. It has also been shown how such renewable energy devices could be used for generating gainful employment in rural areas owing to its simple technology, easy use and economics.