Solar/gas water heater characterization and development. Final report, November 81-Jun 83

Technical Report · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6950707

Cohen, B M; Persons, R W; Harris, M J; Arora, R

An experimental and analytical study was completed which comparatively characterized current options for solar/gas water heaters and which identified and evaluated avenues to improvement. Both solar and conventional water heaters were tested in order to understand the unique qualities which differentiate generic designs. Results of testing were used to modify and validate computer simulations describing their performance. With little exception, modeling was accomplished using the TRNSYS computer program with modifications. The program ultimately relied upon life-cycle cost analysis to evaluate the systems. Energy usage was derived from annual system performance simulations using TRNSYS and costs for equipment and energy as well as predictions of future trends such as escalation rates were derived from other sources. The major performance obstacle to efficient gas backup for solar was identified as standby losses in the center-flue design. The major economic obstacle to combined system success was identified as the installed cost of the solar system. Thermosyphon preheat systems, where viable, and direct preheat systems with freeze protection are closest to economic viability.

• Research Organization: Thermo Electron Corp., Waltham, MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6950707
• Report Number(s): PB-84-152685; TE-4306-134-83
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140907* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Water Heating
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
APPLIANCES
BUILDINGS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
EQUIPMENT
HEATERS
PERFORMANCE
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SIMULATION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
WATER HEATERS