Hybrid Technologies for Water Heating Applications: A Review

Abstract

The global energy deficit is currently a critical issue in the energy sector. As a result, the rising energy demand increases the consumption of conventional fossil fuels, contributing to the climate crisis and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the over-reliance on fossil-fuel-based energy necessitates the development of a sustainable energy system to meet the lingering heat demand. Hence, renewable energy and efficient hybrid water heating technologies are viable options for achieving net-zero energy. The economic benefits of these hybrid technologies offer a promising prospect for widespread adoption in increasing hot water production in developing countries. These hybrid technologies are becoming increasingly popular for domestic thermal applications in remote areas to compensate for energy shortages. The paper aims to provide an overview of hybrid renewable water heating technologies, focusing on hybrid configurations, optimization techniques, mono-particle, and hybrid nanofluids and modelling. This paper also highlights the prospects of increasing such systems' economic attractiveness and public adoption.