Solar water heating systems for different buildings under a hot climate; parametric optimization and economic analysis

Abstract

Abstract. Building applied solar thermal systems are considered by different stakeholders an attractive alternative to traditional space and water heating systems. However, their performance depends largely on climatic conditions, water heating needs and operational parameters which, in turn, offer opportunities for performance optimization. The present research attempts to provide architects with a design decision tool that integrates solar thermal collectors efficiently to meet hot water demand for various building types inclusive of residential, commercial and industrial in a hot climate. The analysis is conducted numerically through a thermal model developed and executed in TRNSYS and validated experimentally. The parameters investigated include the collector tilt angle, azimuth angle and collector inlet fluid flow rate. Finally, the collector aperture area required per building foot print area is determined. The research revealed that for a 1000 m 2 footprint building area of schools, offices, residential, factories and hospitals would require respectively 8 m and 38 m 2 of the static collector installed at 24°tilt angle with optimal water flow rate. Additional operational aspects of collector tracking, and solar radiation concentration were investigated and further reduce the required collector area. A simple payback period analysis reveals a return on investment of 2 years applying subsidized tariff rates under the climatic conditions of, or similar to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

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“…Energy savings were at least 45%, as suggested by [55,56]. Moreover, payback periods obtained were close to 6.5, which is an order of magnitude shown in many manuscripts [57], and these values can be reduced if subsidized tariff rates apply [58].…”

A Review on Techno-Economic Assessment of Solar Water Heating Systems in the Middle East

“…Aoul et al presented efficient architects to benefit solar thermal collectors for hot water demands of several building types, including residential, schools, hospitals, offices, and factories [99]. Different design parameters have been investigated for an SWHS.…”

Hot Water Generation for Domestic Use in Residential Buildings via PCM Integrated U-Tube Based Solar Thermal Collector: A 4-E Analysis

“…Therefore, the installation of solar thermal collectors (FPCs and ETCs) that are primarily focused on hot water production applications in buildings is a priority. Their installation can be a successful move toward the goal of net-zero and sustainable buildings (see Figure 1) [5,6].…”

“…Therefore, the installation of solar thermal collectors (FPCs and ETCs) that are primarily focused on hot water production applications in buildings is a priority. Their installation can be a successful move toward the goal of net-zero and sustainable buildings (see Figure 1) [5,6]. The progressive development of solar thermal collectors (STCs) provides a significant amount of domestic hot water, which varies as per the climatic zones and type of collectors.…”