Techno-economic feasibility of various types of solar collectors for solar water heating systems in hot and semi-arid climates: A case study

Abstract

The pursuit for sustainability and a reduction in reliance on non-renewable energy sources has fueled the growing use of solar energy systems worldwide. This study assesses the feasibility of using domestic solar heating systems in Kirkuk, Iraq. The study utilized T*SOL software focused on three different solar collector systems: Thermital, Eraslan, and Apricus, chosen based on their type of collector loop (open loop or closed loop), type of collector (flat plate or evacuated tube), and collector size. The impact of varying the size of the hot water storage tank was also analyzed. The aim was to find a cost-effective solution that maximizes energy efficiency, reduces initial and maintenance costs, and cuts CO2 emissions. The results of the economic analysis showed that the energy demand for the case study was 1430 kWh. Both open loop and closed loop systems were found to achieve a solar fraction of 86% using evacuated tube collectors, but the open loop system required a smaller storage tank. The amount of CO2 emissions avoided was estimated to be between 689.5 and 1316 kg/year. The study concludes that domestic solar heating systems in Kirkuk, Iraq offer a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution, eliminating the need for an electrical water heater and resulting in substantial energy savings.

Keywords

• Solar water heating system
• Economic analysis
• Flat plate collector
• Evacuated tube collector
• Solar fraction
• T*SOL