Economic optimization of low-flow solar domestic hot water plants

N. Cardinale, F. Piccininni and P. Stefanizzi

Renewable Energy, 2003, vol. 28, issue 12, 1899-1914

Abstract: A solar plant for hot-water production was investigated by the dynamic simulation code (TRNSYS). A typical daily home consumption for a 4 persons family was considered. The hot-water demand temperature (53 °C) is controlled by a conventional fuel auxiliary heater and a tempering valve. A heat-exchanger is considered between collector and storage tank. The fluids circulate by pumps activated by photovoltaic panels. This simplifies plant control systems and allows for stand-alone utilization of the plant. Annual energy performance, in terms of solar fraction, was calculated for three Italian localities. The economic viability of such a plant was evaluated with the life cycle savings (LCS) method, considering three conventional fuels (Gas-Oil, LPG and Electricity). Italian Government incentives show an economic viability only in comparison with electrical energy.

Keywords: Domestic hot water; Solar fraction; Simulation; Plate heat exchanger; Photovoltaic pump; Life cycle savings (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2003
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:28:y:2003:i:12:p:1899-1914

DOI: 10.1016/S0960-1481(03)00070-3

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