Modelling and analysis of the dynamic behavior of a forced circulation solar water heating system with storage tanks in series

Abstract

A generalized model for a forced circulation solar water heating system with storage tanks in series is presented in which the loss of heat through an insulation lagging is considered, and the periodic time variation of the intensity of solar radiation, as well as both the ambient air temperature and the temperature of cold water entering the first main tank, is taken into account. Using the Laplace transformation, an exact solution is presented which, under certain conditions, reduces to an approximate solution. The conditions for convergence to the approximate solution are discussed, and figures are presented comparing it with the exact solution for several different sets of conditions. In this communication, the effect of the number of storage tanks on the outlet temperature of the hot water and the effect of various water heating system parameters on its performance have been analytically investigated. Numerical calculations have been made for a typical cold day.