Investigation of the thermal performance and environmental impact of a forced circulation solar water heating system during the heating season

Abstract

A thermal analysis of a forced circulation solar water heating system (SWHS) was carried out. Three different models were analyzed: SWHS without an auxiliary heater, SWHS with an auxiliary heater, and electric heater only. The study was carried out for the province of Mersin-Turkiye. Flat plate collectors with different structural properties were used in simulations, the best results were obtained with the collector with black chrome absorber coating. This system met 55% of the hot water requirement on the design day without requiring any auxiliary heater. During the season, 18.7% of hot water needs were met in January, 20.42% in February, 37.6% in March, 31.2% in November, and 20.5% in December. SWHS with an auxiliary heater, consumed 1130.3 kWh of electrical energy during the heating season, resulting in 540.3 kg of CO2 emissions. 33 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is achieved with this system compared to a base system powered by electricity only. The hot water use profile is an essential factor in the design of the SWHS. Since the systems using fossil fuels can meet the needs of the users, energy storage techniques must be adapted to the SWHS to be an alternative.