Abstract
The use of solar heaters for space and water heating applications in energy efficient buildings is one of the most promising applications of solar energy, particularly in heating-dominated areas. In this paper, six different cases have been compared for an integrated solar space and water heating system, according to results based on the variation in terms of predicted solar fraction and collector efficiency. These models are developed from the combination of two simulation models (configuration 1 and configuration 2) based on different operational strategies and control schemes within the load-side loop and six methods of implementing the properties of different solar collectors, varying thermal energy storage systems (sensible and latent), and selecting optimum PCMs within latent thermal energy storage (LTES). A system operating under configuration 2 (C-2) energized with an evacuated tube collector (ETC) can offer more than 12 % higher solar fraction than a system operating under configuration 1 (C-1) energized with a flat plate collector (FPC). Furthermore, it is anticipated that incorporating optimum PCMs can significantly enhance the thermal energy storage capacity and significantly further enhance the solar fraction depending upon the working schedules and heating requirements. The detailed financial feasibility analysis concludes that the payback period of such a system is up to 5.9 years without considering financial incentives. Moreover, a 60 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is achieved compared to a base system powered by electricity.
Published Version
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