Hot Water Generation Research Articles

Harnessing Curtailed Wind-Generated Electricity via Electrical Water Heating Aggregation to Alleviate Energy Poverty: A Use Case in Ireland

Ireland experiences high energy poverty rates alongside surplus wind energy resources. With 77% of Irish households equipped with electrical immersion heaters for domestic hot water (DHW) generation, this study proposes an Electrical Water Heating Aggregation (EWHA) scheme. The scheme allocates surplus wind-generated electricity to provide DHW to fuel-poor households, thereby alleviating energy poverty through harnessing curtailed wind energy. Through a developed wind-generated electricity allocation model and half-hourly data analysis for a weather year, this research assesses the feasibility and economic viability of the EWHA scheme, focusing on the householder as the primary benefactor from the scheme (as opposed to ancillary grid service provision). The results suggest an optimal aggregation size where maximum curtailment and carbon offset coincide with maximum benefits for participants. The findings indicate that fuel-poor households in Ireland could receive a full DHW tank every three weeks using surplus wind energy, harnessing 89% of overnight curtailed wind energy and offsetting 33 MkgCO2 annually. Moreover, the scheme could potentially save the Irish state approximately EUR 4 million by 2030, increasing to EUR 11 million by 2050, in carbon costs. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of EWHA schemes to alleviate energy poverty, optimise wind energy utilisation, and contribute significantly to carbon emission reduction targets.

Heat Transfer Enhancements Assessment in Hot Water Generation with Phase Change Materials (PCMs): A Review

The utilization of phase change materials (PCMs) in solar water heating systems (SWHS) has undergone notable advancements, driven by a rising demand for systems delivering superior performance and efficiency. Extensive research suggests that enhancing heat transfer (HTE) in storage systems is crucial for achieving these improvements. This review employs a bibliometric analysis to track the evolution of HTE methods within this field. While current literature underscores the necessity for further exploration into hot water generation applications, several methodologies exhibit significant promise. Particularly, strategies such as fins, encapsulation, and porous media emerge as prominent HTE techniques, alongside nanofluids, which hold the potential for augmenting solar water heating systems. This review also identifies numerous unexplored techniques awaiting investigation, aiming to pave new paths in research and application within the field of hot water generation. It highlights methods that could be used independently or alongside predominantly used techniques.

Experimental characterization and numerical modelling of an air to water CO2 heat pump under different outdoor and operating conditions for domestic hot water generation

This work assesses the influence of different outdoor and operating conditions on the performance of an air-to-water CO2 heat pump for domestic hot water (DHW) generation. For that purpose, an air to water CO2 heat pump with internal heat exchanger (IHX) was developed and characterized in an experimental campaign under well-controlled lab conditions. The system includes an in-house control system implemented to operate at the optimal gas cooler pressure. The heat pump and the control system are tested for DHW generation. The heat pump uses a finned-tubes heat exchanger as evaporator and plate heat exchangers as gas cooler and internal heat exchanger. The numerical model used a 1dimensional, cell by cell discretization method to characterize the performance of both, the gas-cooler and the evaporator under a wide range of values of their key variables. The IHX is also modelled with the same strategy. ARHI equations are considered to describe the compressor performance. The experimental data obtained are used to validate a numerical model of the heat pump under different air velocities, air temperatures and air humidity at the evaporator. The effectiveness of the control system proposed is experimentally confirmed during the experimental tests. Results show a good agreement between the numerical simulations and the experimental data what permits to validate the model and to assess the performance of the transcritical heat pump under different climate conditions.

Parametric study of a scraped surface heat exchanger for latent energy storage for domestic hot water generation

In this work, a parametric study of a Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger (SSHE) for solar Latent Thermal Energy Storage (LTES) has been conducted. The primary challenge in Phase Change Material (PCM) heat exchangers is the formation of a solid layer along the heat transfer surfaces during the latent energy release phase. This reduction in the energy release rate is resolved through the scraping of the solidified PCM, making SSHE systems suitable for domestic hot water generation. Experiments have been performed to evaluate the influence of various operational parameters, including the heat transfer fluid (HTF) mass flow rate, the phase change characteristics of the PCM, the temperature difference between the HTF and the PCM, and the scraping velocity. It has been observed that a HTF Reynolds number (Re) of 100 will require three times more time compared to Re = 600. Moreover, the significance of maintaining a HTF to PCM differential temperature between 20 °C and 25 °C has been experimentally verified to improve the PCM solidification process. Furthermore, the existence of a critical scraping frequency has been demonstrated, beyond which increasing the frequency does not yield to significant improvements in energy extraction. Finally, a correlation has been proposed to predict solidification time as a function of the non-dimensional operational parameters involved, where 95 % of the results fall within an interval of 10 %.

Blended finance as a catalyst for accelerating the European heat transition?

Against the background of accelerating climate change, this paper examines to which extent sustainable infrastructure finance can effectively contribute to the European heat transition as a part of a “Great Transformation” towards a climate neutral economy and society. Since the building sector is responsible for approximately 35% of the EU's carbon footprint, district heating and cooling networks can provide an efficient technology for decarbonizing the energy supply of buildings. New district heating and cooling networks technology allows for heat and hot water generation that is combustion free. A large-scale role-out of this infrastructure would require hundreds of billions EUR of investments within the next few years. In view of the high public debt, the public sector will not be able to finance the required investment volumes. Against the background of regulatory changes, such as the EU Action Plan on Financing Sustainable Growth, this paper examines in which way financial markets participants might be able to fill the funding gap. A particular focus lies on blended finance, since related instruments reduce investors' risks, esp. in early stages of the infrastructure lifecycle. Due to an improved risk-return-relationship this makes the investment more attractive to private investors. It is also essential for investors to understand the kind of business model they invest in. Therefore, we discuss the importance of key performance indicators in the four dimensions that are relevant for the investors' decision-making process: return, risk, liquidity and sustainability. With respect to the sustainability dimension, we elaborate on the relevance of EU-Taxonomy-aligned district heating and cooling networks' construction and operation.

Design, fabrication, and performance assessment of a novel biomass gasification-powered all-season climate control unit for perishables

Availability of storage and processing facilities that work off-the-grid is crucial to agrarian economies for meeting sustainable development goals. We report a novel biomass-gasification-powered climate control unit (CCU) with independently controlled temperature and humidity, which enables the system to maintain a wide range of climatic conditions for storage, processing and farming of perishables. The developed all-season CCU has a temperature control subsystem driven by a novel biomass gasification-based hot water generator (heating capacity – 22 kW), which also powers an adsorption refrigerator (cooling capacity – 11 kW). The heat content of the hot flue gas (≈250°C) from the exhaust of gasification-based hot water generator is recovered using flue gas-to-air heat exchanger and utilized to regenerate (3.6 kW) the desiccant wheel thus enabling an off-the-grid humidity control. Auxiliary components such as pumps, blowers, control panels, and valves are operated in an off-the-grid manner using solar photovoltaic panels (≈ 1.5 kWe) backed by storage batteries. An algorithm is devised to demonstrate autonomous and independent control of temperature and relative humidity over a wide range of psychrometric conditions (0–50 °C and 15–90 % RH). We also present the cost analysis and identify the immediate challenges facing the developed system. The waste-to-energy concept of high lignin-based biomass such as forest wood, agricultural residue demonstrated herein lays the foundation for a proper biomass utilization besides empowering farmers with a much-needed technology towards sustainable growth.

Design and development of a novel and cost effective modified Compound parabolic trough collector

In the context of achieving Net Zero targets, the adoption of compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) technology can play a vital role. The purpose of this work is to modify the design of a conventional CPC in such a way that for the same concentration ratio, and for same aperture area, the modified CPC (MCPC) will require significantly less material for its support structure, receiver and reflector: and hence will have reduced cost. The MCPC, we designed, has a concentration ratio of 4 and an acceptance angle 10° and requires position modification only once a month when oriented with its long axis along the East-West direction. We report experiments on an experimental prototype: the solar-to-thermal efficiency of which was 35.7% and cost of which was below $60/m2. This MCPC enables inexpensive and convenient generation of heat applications including driving low temperature industrial process heating, generation of hot water, hot air for drying, space-heating and even cooking. This can directly contribute to meeting Net Zero goals and furthermore address the problem of deforestation due to use of wood for domestic cooking. Also, since the MCPC can be manufactured using technologies available even in semi-urban regions of the Sun-belt, use of the MCPC can also boost local manufacturing economies providing dignified employment opportunities in currently underserved parts of the world.

Performance analysis of heat pump polygeneration system

A heat pump polygeneration system is a promising technology to meet daily needs such as drinking water, power, space cooling or heating, and hot water generation. This work is focused on integrating the solar heat pump and two-stage humidification–de-humidification with a minimum space requirement. In this integrated cycle, the desired outputs i.e. condenser heat and evaporator heat are used for maximizing hot water and desalinated water production with minimal thermal pollution. For warm or hot air generation, an air reheater device is used after the heat pump. By using the switching operation, the air reheater is used accordingly as per climatic conditions. So in this integrated cycle, a coconut coir-packed humidifier is used for the humidification process, and a water-cooled heat exchanger and heat pump evaporator are used for the dehumidification process to meet the desired outputs from the system. The MATLAB simulation tool is used to simulate the thermodynamic model of the integrated cycle, and it is focused on studying the effect of mass flow rate, atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, evaporator temperature, and hot/cold water temperature, on outputs, as well as the energy conversion factor of the plant and cycle. At 25°C ambient air temperature, the energy conversion factor of the plant and cycle are 0.866 and 2.2, respectively. Similarly, at 75% humid air and 35°C surrounding air temperature, the gained output ratio and coefficient of performance are 4.03 and 1.964, respectively. And also, the plant and cycle energy conversion factors are 0.903 and 2.4.

Techno-enviro-exergo-economic evaluation of hot water production by waste heat recovery using U-shaped pulsating heat pipe – an experimental study

ABSTRACT The energy crisis and increasing energy demand have prompted scientists and engineers to find ways to recover energy from waste heat. Also, environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels and planning to reduce environmental effects are other reasons for using wasted heat. Many studies have used pulsating heat pipes to transfer thermal energy from high-temperature systems to low-temperature applications and the energy and exergy efficiency of those systems have been investigated, but economic and environmental studies about them have not provided. In this study, the performance of a pulsating heat pipe on the waste heat recovery of a chimney for heating water for household consumption was experimentally investigated. The distilled water with a filling ratio of 60% was considered as the working fluid, and the results are presented for different pulsating heat pipe angles to the horizon from 0 to 90 degrees. Energy and energy analysis and economic and environmental assessments of the waste heat recovery system are presented and discussed. The highest hot water temperature in the reservoir outlet was about 58°C. Also, the CO2 mitigation and cost per cubic meter of hot water generation of the waste heat recovery system were 84.82 tons and 0.1$/m3. Moreover, the efficiency varied from 19% to 54% for horizontal and vertical pulsating heat pipes, respectively.

A Review of North American Prospects for Power and Hot-Water Generation with Thermal Energy

This article outlines an innovative approach to explore thermal energy extraction for power generation or industrial hot water applications. Unlike traditional steady-state models, this approach embraces time-variant scenarios, explicitly incorporating a cyclical fluid circulation strategy to maintain a stable surface fluid temperature or power output. By introducing an increasing and decreasing stepwise rate sequence and an intermittent circulation strategy, the method aims to optimize efficiency in response to varying geothermal gradients. This approach also considers the effect of well configurations namely U-shaped heat exchangers, and conventional wellbore heat exchangers. The study emphasizes the importance of assessing the value proposition of this rate-sequencing approach in different North American basins, with the potential for replication in other regions. This approach recognizes the geographic dependency of thermal prospects, particularly at specific well depths. Notably, the article explores the possibility of retrofitting abandoned wells in oil fields and drilling new wells in geothermal-friendly areas for a comparative analysis of their relative value propositions. In essence, the proposed roadmap signifies a departure from traditional models, showcasing a dynamic and adaptable strategy for thermal energy extraction. This strategy aligns with the need for energy transition and changing energy mix for the future. The inclusion of retrofitting existing wells and drilling in strategic locations adds a practical dimension to the study, offering insights into the scalability and applicability of the proposed approach beyond its initial geographic focus.

Research review on performance evaluation of a parabolic trough solar collector for hot water generation

This experimental study aimed to examine the impact of many parameters, including concentration ratio, optical efficiency, and thermal efficiency, on the performance of the trough solar collector. In the present day, nations throughout the globe exhibit a collective preoccupation with the issue of environmental pollution and its consequential impacts. However, it remains imperative for these nations to secure adequate energy resources in order to facilitate the progress and advancement of their respective countries. The utilization of conventional techniques, particularly those involving coal, fossil fuels, and organic matter, to generate the necessary energy yields a significant level of air pollution, which serves as the primary catalyst for global warming. The utilization of non-conventional methods for energy production is deemed more favorable in terms of environmental impact. However, the lack of economic viability serves as the primary deterrent for impoverished and emerging nations in adopting such non-conventional techniques. The geographical conditions have a significant role in determining the viability of nonconventional sources such as solar energy and wind energy. This study involved an analysis of the performance of a solar trough collector, with subsequent calculations of its efficiencies.

Numerical modelling and simulation of hydrogen and air mixing to prevent ignition delay and flashback

Practically all residential and commercial gas appliances installed within the EU today were designed for operation with natural gas. A clean and efficient solution for heating and hot water generation is the combustion of hydrogen in case of a gas condensing boiler. Safe and stable combustion of hydrogen is a complex issue, and several influence parameters must be understood for the safe design of hydrogen capable gas condensing boilers. In premixed hydrogen-air combustion, there are two physical problems that should be avoided at all costs: flashback through the burner to the premixing duct and ignition delay in the combustion chamber. Well mixing of reactants is therefore very important to achieve stable and efficient hydrogen combustion. To evaluate the influence of commercialized mixing stages (fan-venturi combination), the impact of the rotational velocity on the degree of mixing in case of a venturi-fan combination used in domestic gas condensing boilers is presented in this paper. Transient, three-dimensional simulations with different turbulence modelling approaches were performed to assess the degree of mixing upstream the hydrogen capable multi-hole burner. It is shown that the lower angular velocities produce better mixing. It can also be assumed that a local variation of up to 17% in the adiabatic flame speed can be expected due to the mixing processes as the consequence of the local air-fuel equivalence ratio variation.

Design and performance optimization of a novel zigzag channeled solar photovoltaic thermal system: Numerical investigation and parametric analysis

In order to overcome the drawbacks of traditional photovoltaic thermal systems, including their limited thermal power, low thermal exergy, and heat transfer fluid outlet temperature, it becomes essential to explore the optimal design configuration of the system for maximization both electricity and domestic hot water generation. Therefore, a detailed numerical modeling and comparative performance analysis on a solar photovoltaic thermal collector (PVT) are conducted under two novel structures of the cooling channels. The first system is a reference PVT collector with a classical straight zigzag-plated tube cooling channel (Case A), while the second PVT system proposes an innovative design of flow cooling channel which is divided into three equal zigzag-plated tube sections (Case B). Each section is also split into three double pass tubes and has a separate inlet and outlet in a staggered manner corresponding to the section that precedes and follows it. The two proposed PVT structures are investigated through computational fluid dynamic simulation under solar radiation values ranging from 200 to 1000 W/m2 and coolant flow rates varying between 0.001 and 0.005 kg/s using both water and air as coolant. The obtained results confirm the significant potential of the modified configuration (Case B) that yielded an improvement in the thermal efficiency by 7.23% and 15.75% for water-PVT and air-PVT system, respectively, over the reference PVT system (Case A). Also, the modified configuration (Case B) yielded an enhancement in the electrical efficiency by 4.0% and 4.6% for water-PVT and air-PVT systems, respectively. It can be concluded that dividing the cooling channel area into equally mini zigzag plate tube-shaped sections with multiple reciprocal entrances is regarded a feasible configuration for augmenting the performance of PVT collectors and maintaining a uniform coolant flow and reduced temperature distribution over the entire panel.

Advanced energy recovery systems design of stenter processes: Energy, exergy and Techno-economic analyses

Stenters used for drying during the dyeing process, waste considerable thermal energy through exhaust gas. This energy waste is one of the major bottlenecks to improving the sustainability of the textile dyeing field. To find the most efficient recovery of the waste heat from the stenters for supplying various energy sources and reducing energy consumption within overall textile system, this study compares three heat recovery systems: (Case- 1) air preheating, (Case-2) hot-water generation, and (Case-3) power generation. Energy, exergy, and economic analyses indicated that all cases demonstrated superior results those obtained using the base case. In terms of energy consumption, Case-1 demonstrated a 60.8 % reduction achieved through decreased fuel consumption. In particular, the economic analysis indicated that Case-1 was the most favorable option because it possesses the lowest operating costs by significantly reducing fuel consumption for air preheating. Additionally, the simple configuration of the process and the use of a small heat exchanger contribute to a lower capital cost. Thus, Case-1 could the most efficiently recover and utilize the heat wasted from the stenter at a relatively low investment cost among proposed systems. This demonstrated the potential for energy and cost savings within the textile industry.

Thermodynamic evaluation of a state-of-art poly-generation system fueled by natural gas and biomass for cooling, power, and hot water generation

The principal objective of this study was to conduct a thorough examination of the thermodynamic aspects of an innovative combined poly-generation facility, encompassing cooling load, hot water, and power generation cycles, powered by a combination of natural gas and biomass. A distinctive feature was the incorporation of syngas into natural gas to enhance overall plant performance. The plant design comprised three key subsystems: a gasification and combustion chamber, a double-effect absorption chiller, and a supercritical carbon dioxide cycle. Energy and exergy analyses were employed to systematically evaluate the thermodynamic behavior of the plant. The outcomes revealed that the exergy and energy efficiencies, along with the net power output, were determined to be approximately 35 %, 78 %, and 7422 kW, respectively. Additionally, the produced hot water and the coefficient of performance (COP) of the absorption chiller were estimated at around 14.71 kg/s and 1.209. Notably, the gasifier and combustion chamber emerged as the least efficient components of the system, primarily due to their elevated rates of exergy destruction. Furthermore, comprehensive parametric investigations were conducted to elucidate the influence of key variables on plant performance. The analysis indicated that variations in gasification temperature positively impacted the thermodynamic performance of the plant. Moreover, an increase in combustion pressure led to a notable enhancement in the net power output of the facility.

4E evaluations of salt hydrate-based solar thermochemical heat transformer system used for domestic hot water production

A critical step toward the widespread use of renewables is the development of effective energy storage technology. An impressive solution for energy storage and heat upgrade is the salt hydrate-based solar thermochemical heat transformer (THT). The article aims at the temperature lift effects of pressurization-assisted THT systems employing different salts to fulfill the heat requirements of domestic hot water (DHW) generation. To grasp the sustainability of the GJ-level THT systems, energy, exergy, economic, and environmental (4E) assessments are performed under various working conditions. Results manifest that the majority of THT systems enable discharging temperatures (Tdis) to surpass 65 °C, matching regular DHW production. Tdis can be further boosted by the two-stage pressurization whereas at the expense of lowering thermodynamic properties. The SrBr2-based system almost exhibits the best 4E performances with a Tdis of 74.3 °C, although its levelized energy cost (LEC) of 0.1162 $/kWh is slightly higher than that of the LiOH-based system (0.1147 $/kWh). Both systems yield great useable heat, up to 11,667 MJ and 11,140 MJ, respectively, with maximum exergy efficiency of 89.16 % and 63.41 %. Albeit capable of generating higher temperature DHW (≥90 °C), the useable heat and thermodynamic performances of the FeCl2 and CaCl2 based systems are unsatisfactory. By contrast, the K2CO3 and LiOH based systems render higher temperature DHW while ensuring acceptable thermodynamic properties and useable heat. Targeting the regular and higher temperature DHW productions, the lowest CO2 emissions are separately achieved by the SrBr2 and LiCl based systems, i.e., 15 kg/MWh and 56.2 kg/MWh; and the former shows the slowest growth rate in carbon emission with increased Tdis. Augmenting solar irradiation and duration contributes to reducing LEC, and the ideal operating conditions in thermo-economic performance may differ from system to system.

Photovoltaic Thermal Heat Pump Assessment for Power and Domestic Hot Water Generation

The efficient utilization of solar energy significantly contributes to energy efficiency in buildings. Solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) heat pumps, a hybrid of photovoltaic and solar-assisted heat pumps, have demonstrated a significant development trend due to their multi-generational capacity for heating, power, and cooling with reliable operational performance. This research work presents and investigates a single-stage compression PVT heat pump system, along with the operation principle of the system’s heating and power co-generation throughout the winter and transitional season. The construction of the testing facility, data reduction, error analysis, and performance evaluation indices of the system are all explained theoretically. A continuous experiment research project focusing on system heating and power performance was carried out in Dalian during the transition season (November in this study) and winter season (December in this study) as part of our investigation into the potential uses for space heating, residential hot water, and power supply in northern China. The findings of the experimental research demonstrate that the proposed system can generate electricity and heat at high efficiency during the winter and transitional seasons, with long-term stable performance. The system’s average heating COPt is 5 during the transitional season and 4.4 during the winter season. Meanwhile, the average photovoltaic power efficiency under both weather conditions is 11.9% and 10.2%, with a peak value of 15.7% and 12.0%, respectively. Additionally, the system compression ratio’s variation range is 2 to 3.88, which is lower than the standard heat pump system. As a result, the entire system heating operating process remains constant.

Study Work on Parabolic Solar through Water Heating system with Various Type of Coating on Reflectors with or without Glass

Abstract: Solar energy serves as the wellspring of all forms of energy present on Earth, establishing its role as a significant contributor. The contemporary surge in global energy demand exerts pressure on traditional energy reservoirs, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, and fossil fuels. These resources, limited in nature, face potential depletion in the absence of recourse to alternative sources. Solar energy emerges as a viable substitute for diverse energy production processes due to its renewable attributes, devoid of any contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases or environmental contaminants. Furthermore, its enduring nature safeguards against imminent depletion. This study delves into the prospect of harnessing solar energy for hot water generation through a thermal system. The research involves the construction of a solar radiation tracking system operated manually. A comparative evaluation ensues, featuring parabolic trough solar water heaters utilizing distinct reflector materials, both with and without the incorporation of glass covers. The reflective component materializes as a stainless steel sheet-formed trough, skillfully cut and welded, integrated with aluminum foil and mirror strips for reflective enhancement. Functioning as the absorber, a copper tube boasting an 18mm diameter and 240mm focal length is adopted. The experimental protocol spans four phases, each involving varying reflector configurations, including instances with and without a glass cover affixed to the trough's surface to mitigate wind-induced losses below. Performance metrics are meticulously documented, subsequently subjected to comparison against three alternative scenarios. The experimentation transpired within the precincts of SRCEM College, Banmore, during the summer season of May 2023, situated in the region of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study's culmination sheds light on the potential of solar thermal systems for hot water generation. The insights gained from the comprehensive evaluation of parabolic trough solar water heaters, encompassing diverse reflector configurations and the influence of glass cover presence, lay the groundwork for a potential revolution in sustainable energy utilization. Amidst the contemporary energy conundrum, this research unveils innovative avenues that harness the abundant offerings of solar energy, promising a cleaner and enduring energy landscape.

Performance evaluation of a solar desalination-hot water system using heat pipe vacuum tube parabolic trough solar collector – An experimental study with Taguchi analysis

The utilization of renewable energy to generate hot water and distilled water can considerably reduce pollution. This study looked at a hybrid system that used a parabolic-trough heat pipe solar collector to generate hot water while also providing drinking water. The system is constructed in two stages, the first producing distilled water and the second producing hot water. A concave mirror increases the temperature of a vacuum tube heat pipe's evaporator area and the condenser of the heat pipe, which is directly connected to the desalination system's saltwater tank. To improve the amount of drinking water generated and to transfer thermal energy to the hot water generation system, a condenser region at the top of the saltwater tank, as well as multiple heat pipes, were employed. The effect of the water flow rate (200, 300, 400 and 500 ml/min), number of heat pipes (0, 1, 2 and 4), and the filling porous medium (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 m) of the vacuum tube on the system performance were evaluated. In addition, Taguchi-Based design of experiments was used to determine the effect of independent input parameters on the energy and efficiency of the system. The results showed that the effects of water flow rate, porous medium length, and number of heat pipes on the energy efficiency were approximately 50.89%, 26.53%, and 20.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the cost of distilled water and the cost of hot water were approximately 0.0380 $/L and 1.01 $/m3, respectively. Additionally, the highest daily productivity of the system (4940 ml/day) was obtained with a water flow rate of 200 ml/min, a length of porous media of 0.6 m, and four heat pipes. The CO2 emission reduction based on the environmental and enviroexergoeconomic parameters of the proposed systems ware improved by 37.5% and 268.4%, respectively, resulting in returns of approximately $358.1 and $260.5, respectively.

Design, optimization and economic viability of an industrial low temperature hot water production system in Algeria: A case study

Solar energy has a great potential in many areas of industrial activity in Algeria. This is because most of Algeria has high levels of sustainable solar insulation. Unfortunately, few industries use solar energy for hot water generation, but some industrial processes require hot water at temperatures that can be easily obtained from solar thermal panels. This paper presents a case study to investigate the technical and financial feasibility of a solar-powered industrial agro-processing system in Algiers. Based on the solar collectors connection type for which the economic feasibility study was carried out, an appropriate design of the system was determined. The latter was actually done by analyzing the levelized cost of energy savings. The design of the thermo-solar process is carried out based on F-chart method with a new approach by integrating the incidence angle modifier and of using real and experimental data requirements to determine realistic achievable performance of the solar process. The results showed that, in comparison to the currently used electrical system, the electrical energy savings achieved by the solar-powered system make it an economically viable option with a solar coverage rate of 80%. The investment depreciation balance shows that the use of such a thermal solar energy system will be more competitive than fossil fuels system if the price of electricity in the country increases from 0.048 to 0.075 €/kWh.