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A simplified method for optimal design of solar water heating systems based on life-cycle energy analysis

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  • Yan, Chengchu
  • Wang, Shengwei
  • Ma, Zhenjun
  • Shi, Wenxing

Abstract

Significant energy mismatch exists in solar water heating systems as the time and amount of solar energy supply are usually different from that of hot water demand. Using a hot water storage tank can reduce or eliminate such mismatch in short term while it is difficult to avoid this mismatch in long term. In many optimal design and life-cycle analysis methods, the energy mismatch is ignored which causes the system performance to be overestimated and also misleads the optimal design of the system. This paper presents a simplified method for optimizing the key parameters of solar water heating systems based on life-cycle energy analysis. This optimal method considering the energy mismatch phenomenon can be implemented through two steps. In the first step, a simplified energy model based hourly energy matching different components of the system, is developed for determining the operating performance of system with different solar collector areas and water storage volumes. In the second step, the law of diminishing marginal utility is employed to determine the optimum size of the system. The optimum size is identified when the maximal life-cycle net energy saving is achieved. A case study on the application of the proposed method in a building is presented as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan, Chengchu & Wang, Shengwei & Ma, Zhenjun & Shi, Wenxing, 2015. "A simplified method for optimal design of solar water heating systems based on life-cycle energy analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 271-278.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:74:y:2015:i:c:p:271-278
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.08.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ardente, Fulvio & Beccali, Giorgio & Cellura, Maurizio & Lo Brano, Valerio, 2005. "Life cycle assessment of a solar thermal collector: sensitivity analysis, energy and environmental balances," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 109-130.
    2. Assilzadeh, F. & Kalogirou, S.A. & Ali, Y. & Sopian, K., 2005. "Simulation and optimization of a LiBr solar absorption cooling system with evacuated tube collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(8), pages 1143-1159.
    3. Lima, Juliana Benoni Arruda & Prado, Racine T.A. & Montoro Taborianski, Vanessa, 2006. "Optimization of tank and flat-plate collector of solar water heating system for single-family households to assure economic efficiency through the TRNSYS program," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(10), pages 1581-1595.
    4. Ardente, Fulvio & Beccali, Giorgio & Cellura, Maurizio & Lo Brano, Valerio, 2005. "Life cycle assessment of a solar thermal collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(7), pages 1031-1054.
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    1. Allouhi, A. & Agrouaz, Y. & Benzakour Amine, Mohammed & Rehman, S. & Buker, M.S. & Kousksou, T. & Jamil, A. & Benbassou, A., 2017. "Design optimization of a multi-temperature solar thermal heating system for an industrial process," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 382-392.
    2. Shen, Yongliang & Liu, Shuli & Mazhar, Abdur Rehman & Han, Xiaojing & Yang, Liu & Yang, Xiu'e, 2021. "A review of solar-driven short-term low temperature heat storage systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    3. Myeong Jin Ko, 2015. "Multi-Objective Optimization Design for Indirect Forced-Circulation Solar Water Heating System Using NSGA-II," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-25, November.
    4. Gautam, Abhishek & Chamoli, Sunil & Kumar, Alok & Singh, Satyendra, 2017. "A review on technical improvements, economic feasibility and world scenario of solar water heating system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 68(P1), pages 541-562.
    5. Myeong Jin Ko, 2015. "A Novel Design Method for Optimizing an Indirect Forced Circulation Solar Water Heating System Based on Life Cycle Cost Using a Genetic Algorithm," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-26, October.
    6. Vieira, Abel S. & Stewart, Rodney A. & Lamberts, Roberto & Beal, Cara D., 2018. "Residential solar water heaters in Brisbane, Australia: Key performance parameters and indicators," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(PA), pages 120-132.

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