Abstract
To develop indigenous alternative and renewable energy resources, long-term subsidy programs (1986–1991 and 2000–present) for solar water heaters have been enforced in Taiwan. By the end of 2010, the total installed area of solar collectors had exceeded 2 million square meters. However, over 98% of solar water heaters were used in residential systems for hot water production, with the areas of installed solar collector being less than 10 square meters. There were only 98 systems with area of solar collectors installed exceeding 100 square meters put into operation from 2001 to 2010. These systems were mainly installed for water heating in dormitories, swimming pools, restaurants, and manufacturing plants. In the present study, a comprehensive survey of these large-scale solar water heaters was conducted. The objectives of the survey were to assess the system performance and to collect feedback from individual users. It is found that lack of experience in system design and maintenance are the key factors affecting reliable operation of a system. Hourly, daily and long-term field measurements of a dormitory system were also examined to evaluate its thermal efficiencies. Results indicated that thermal efficiency of the system is associated with the daily solar radiation. Hot water use pattern and operation of auxiliary heater should be taken into account in system design.
Highlights
To develop indigenous alternative and renewable energy resources, long-term subsidy programs (1986–1991 and 2000–present) for solar water heaters have been enforced in Taiwan
As a rule of thumb for system design of a solar water heater in Taiwan, the daily hot water consumption for each person corresponds to the hot water production by area of solar collector installed (ASC) ≈ 1 m2
FR(τα) and FRUL of solar collectors are associated with their orientation and tilt angle, which would affect the thermal efficiency of a system
Summary
Despite the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources, they are sustainable and clean energy assets derived from Nature. To develop an indigenous alternative and renewable energy resources, the government of Taiwan introduced several subsidy programs (1986–1991, 2000–2008 and 2009-present) for solar water heaters. Solar water heaters have been proved to be reliable and economical in hot water production. This is the most successful story for the application of renewable energies in Taiwan. As a rule of thumb for system design of a solar water heater in Taiwan, the daily hot water consumption for each person corresponds to the hot water production by ASC ≈ 1 m2. Both desk and field surveys for these large-scale solar water heaters were conducted to explore barriers and constraints to market expansion. Findings of the survey would assist policy-makers in formulating effective countermeasures and strategies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
