Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6764873 | Renewable Energy | 2018 | 15 Pages |
Abstract
This paper presents the development through experimental performance characterisation of a pre-heat Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater using a novel thermal diode operation to reduce ambient heat loss during non-collection periods. Using a solar simulator facility at Ulster University, the novel prototype pre-heat Mark IV unit was tested and evaluated. The concept has been designed and developed to be a sustainable pre-heat alternative to other types of solar water heating systems traditionally used in domestic hot water installations. The highest 6â¯h collection efficiency was 36.17% under solar simulated conditions. The lowest system 'U' value was 0.98â¯Wmâ2Kâ1 with no draw-off conditions. When the current prototype ICS units are compared with other conventional ICS systems, particularly in terms of thermal retention during non-collection periods, an improved performance is clearly demonstrated. The measured thermal losses were approximately 40% less than other similarly measured systems.
Keywords
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Energy
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Authors
M. Smyth, P. Quinlan, J.D. Mondol, A. Zacharopoulos, D. McLarnon, A. Pugsley,