The experimental evaluation and improvements of a novel thermal diode pre-heatsolar water heater under simulated solar conditions

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Abstract

This paper presents the development through experimental performance characterisation of a pre-heat Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater using a novel thermal diode operation to reduce ambient heat loss during non-collection periods. Using a solar simulator facility at Ulster University, the novel prototype pre-heat Mark IV unit was tested and evaluated. The concept has been designed and developed to be a sustainable pre-heat alternative to other types of solar water heating systems traditionally used in domestic hot water installations. The highest 6 hour collection efficiency was 36.17% under solar simulated conditions. The lowest system 'U' value was 0.98 Wm-2K-1 with no draw-off conditions. When the current prototype ICS units are compared with other conventional ICS systems, particularly in terms of thermal retention during non-collection periods, an improved performance is clearly demonstrated. The measured thermal losses were approximately 40% less than other similarly measured systems
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)NA
JournalRenewable Energy
VolumeNA
Early online date29 Dec 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished online - 29 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • ICSSWH
  • pre-heat
  • solar simulation
  • thermal diode

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