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Experimental Analysis of Vacuum Solar Collectors as an Auxiliary Heating Source for Residential Buildings

Author

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  • Rafał Urbaniak

    (Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic Faculty, University of Kalisz, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland)

  • Bartosz Ciupek

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Institute of Thermal Energy, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Paweł Grobelny

    (GFLean, 63-400 Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland)

Abstract

This study presents an experimental analysis of two vacuum solar air collectors designed for residential heating applications. The research was conducted from November 2022 to April 2024 in real operating conditions. This study focused on assessing the thermal performance, energy efficiency, and feasibility of integrating these systems into hybrid heating solutions. The first collector (Solar Dragon 2022) utilized five vacuum tubes and achieved a total thermal energy output of 397.67 kWh over five months, with a peak thermal power of 0.55 kW. The second system (Solar Dragon 2023), equipped with 24 vacuum tubes, demonstrated a significantly higher performance, generating 911.69 kWh over the same period, with a peak thermal power of 1.8 kW. The study also identified challenges related to airflow distribution and excessive outlet air temperatures, reaching up to 84 °C in the modified system, which could negatively impact indoor comfort. The findings highlight the potential of vacuum solar collectors as an auxiliary heating source, particularly in transitional seasons, while emphasizing the need for optimized airflow control and thermal regulation strategies to enhance their practical application.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafał Urbaniak & Bartosz Ciupek & Paweł Grobelny, 2025. "Experimental Analysis of Vacuum Solar Collectors as an Auxiliary Heating Source for Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1093-:d:1598431
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Youngjin Choi, 2018. "An Experimental Study of the Solar Collection Performance of Liquid-Type Solar Collectors under Various Weather Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-13, June.
    2. Hossain Nemati, 2024. "Design, Simulation and Optimization of a Novel Transpired Tubular Solar Air Heater," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-24, May.
    3. Morteza Nazari-Heris & Atefeh Tamaskani Esfehankalateh & Pouya Ifaei, 2023. "Hybrid Energy Systems for Buildings: A Techno-Economic-Enviro Systematic Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-15, June.
    4. Al-damook, Amer & Khalil, Wissam Hashim, 2017. "Experimental evaluation of an unglazed solar air collector for building space heating in Iraq," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 498-509.
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