Computational Simulation and Dimensioning of Solar-Combi Systems for Large-Size Sports Facilities: A Case Study for the Pancretan Stadium, Crete, Greece

Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis
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Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis: Power Plants Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 714 10 Heraklion Crete, Greece

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-30

Abstract: The article examines the introduction of solar-combi systems in large-size sports facilities. The examined solar-combi systems consist of solar collectors, a biomass heater and thermal storage tanks. In a sense, they constitute hybrid thermal power plants. The full mathematical background is presented on the operation of such systems, along with a proposed operation algorithm, aiming at the maximization of the captured solar radiation. A case study is implemented for the coverage of the thermal energy needs for hot water production and swimming pools heating, met in the Pancretan Stadium, Crete, Greece. In this way, the article aims to indicate the technical and economic prerequisites that can guarantee the feasibility of the examined systems, highlighting the significant potential contribution of such systems towards the realization of energy transition plans from fossil fuels to renewables. The economic feasibility of the introduced system is based on the avoiding diesel oil and electricity procurement cost, consumed for the coverage of the thermal energy demands under consideration. The optimum dimensioning of the examined case study results to an annual thermal energy demand coverage balance of 55% by the solar collectors and 45% by the biomass heater, giving a payback period of 5–6 years.

Keywords: solar collectors; biomass heater; thermal storage; solar-combi systems; rational use of energy; energy performance upgrade (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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