Chapter 204 - Comparison of the Simulated Performance of Solar Water Heaters by Using Tmy and Mean Monthly Data

Abstract

This chapter compares the simulated performance of a solar water heater when modeled using TMY data, and mean monthly values of solar radiation and air temperature. A simple system consisting of a single flat plate collector is modeled. The analysis is done both with respect to the total energy falling on the collector surface area and on the useful energy collected by the system. The percentage difference between the simulations with the TMY and mean monthly values of solar radiation and air temperature is 2.5% and 4.3% for the two parameters, respectively. Both values are considered very satisfactory for the system long-term performance evaluation. From the results obtained, it is clear that unless a detailed in-depth analysis of the solar water heating system is required, the simulation with the mean monthly values is very quick without sacrificing accuracy.