There is no doubt that experimental measurement is the best way to obtain accurate valuable information of the behaviour of a system. However, theoretical approach or simulation modeling can have many advantages over experiment, as we can predict easily (and up to an acceptable accuracy) the performance of systems under varying climatic conditions, design parameters, and operating conditions in a very short time compared to experiments. In addition, simulation models can be used for designing purposes and in optimizing the various design parameters of the systems, without the need of very expensive test rigs equipped with accurate instruments.Recently, there are a number of computer programs that have been developed and are commercially available for use in the design, optimization, and evaluation of thermal performance of solar water heating systems. TRNSYS, PolySun, MINSUN, WATSUN, and T*sol, are among the best software available commercially.The present paper attempts to test how accurate TRNSYS simulation program can be in simulating different configuration of forced circulation solar water heating systems, and to inspect the most prominent parameters that affect the discrepancy between simulation and experiment. Preliminary experiments showed that there was a discrepancy which has most likely come as a result of the position of the temperature sensors controlling the circulation of the pump.
The center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS) has a good experience in operating and evaluating the thermal performance of small scale 5 m 3 /day Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF) desalination plant connected to solar pond according to the local weather conditions of Tajoura area. However, new project has been suggested to run the desalination plant with vacuum tubes solar thermal collectors utilizing available technology and experience.In this study an attempt were made to make the best use of readily available components to operate the MSF desalination unit with field of solar thermal collectors. Several configurations of collectors and tank arrangements are designed and examined through the use of simulation software, TRNSYS. The study has shown that the layout-3 (two 500 litres storage tanks each of them connected with 9x5 vacuum tube collectors) gives the best performance with an annual solar fraction over 77% at load temperature of 70 °C with flow rate of 2500 lit/hr, and over 68% at load temperature of 80 °C for working condition of 8 hours daily.The study has also shown that Running the desalination plant for 24 hours a day reduces the solar fraction of the solar collector field to 25%
Solar water heaters have been in use for decades in many countries in the world that have less favorable climatic conditions for solar energy as compared with Libya. However, still there is no usage of such technologies in the country. This could be attributed to many factors including, among others, lack of clear policy and/or serious plans to establish such technology, cheap prices of conventional energy, and lack of environmental awareness.The Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS) of Libya has developed an excellent research and development program on national scale for domestic solar water heating systems. The national program started in the early 1990’s aiming at increasing public awareness. The program utilizes different ways such as pilot projects, studies, workshops, and reports to convince people and decision- makers of Libya about this subject and its benefits.This paper attempts to suggest a strategic plan (win-win situation between government and people) for encouraging and helping wide spread (replacement) of solar water heaters nationwide based on economic and environmental pointers in favour of the replacement.The suggested strategic plan is to provide 25% of existing houses in 2013 with solar water heating systems by 2022, with governmental subsidy of up to 65% of the system cost. The study has shown that every L.D. paid by the government will return with at least 2 L.D. after 10 years of investment without considering the money saved from the fuel savings, power plant installations to fulfill the demand, and the environmental benefits.
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