Design, Energy, Environmental and Cost Analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater Based on Multi-Criteria Methodology

The paper presents a design and operation analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heater, which consists of an asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) reflector trough, while the water tank comprises two concentric cylinders. The annulus between these vessels is partially depressurized and contains a small amount of water in the bottom of the outer vessel which dominantly contributes to the heat transfer from the outer to the inner cylinder. A multi-criteria optimization algorithm is applied to re-evaluate the design specifications of the parabolic surface, thus modifying the design of the entire ICS system and predict the necessary number of units for achieving the highest possible effectiveness with minimized fabrication costs and environmental impacts. The environmental footprint of the device is assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The produced thermal energy in conjunction with the environmental and economic results are evaluated as a function of different configuration parameters regarding the water storage conditions, the solar radiation and the total pressure inside the annulus. The ultimate aim of the evaluation process is to offer new perspectives on the design principles of environmentally friendly and cost-effective devices with improved thermal performance

Βελτιστοπίηση μορφής επίπεδων στοιχείων μηχανών με χρήση της μεθόδου των συνοριακών στοιχείων

Μη διαθέσιμη περίληψηNot available summarizatio

Διόρθωση της επίδρασης του συγκεντρωμένου φορτίου στη δοκιμή κάμψης τριών σημείων

Μη διαθέσιμη περίληψηNot available summarizatio

Comparative experimental Life Cycle Assessment of two commercial solar thermal devices for domestic applications

Summarization: This paper presents the comparative study of two commercially available types of solar water heaters for domestic applications: Flat Plate Thermosyphonic Units (FPTU) and Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heaters. The conducted analysis initially focuses on the experimental investigation of the thermal behaviour and proceeds to the detailed holistic environmental analysis for both systems through a completed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study (i.e. throughout their fabrication, installation and operation phases). The energy performance of the systems (studied in three different geographical regions) proved that both technologies perform more than effectively, with the FPTU system being more efficient regarding the heat retention of the stored water, while the ICS systems presented higher time response in the temperature increase. On the other hand, the LCA results imply that the FPTU systems are less environmentally friendly compared to their ICS counterparts mainly during their fabrication and installation phases.Presented on: Renewable Energ

Design, Energy, Environmental and Cost Analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater Based on Multi-Criteria Methodology

The paper presents a design and operation analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heater, which consists of an asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) reflector trough, while the water tank comprises two concentric cylinders. The annulus between these vessels is partially depressurized and contains a small amount of water in the bottom of the outer vessel which dominantly contributes to the heat transfer from the outer to the inner cylinder. A multi-criteria optimization algorithm is applied to re-evaluate the design specifications of the parabolic surface, thus modifying the design of the entire ICS system and predict the necessary number of units for achieving the highest possible effectiveness with minimized fabrication costs and environmental impacts. The environmental footprint of the device is assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The produced thermal energy in conjunction with the environmental and economic results are evaluated as a function of different configuration parameters regarding the water storage conditions, the solar radiation and the total pressure inside the annulus. The ultimate aim of the evaluation process is to offer new perspectives on the design principles of environmentally friendly and cost-effective devices with improved thermal performance

Experimental study and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar systems for domestic applications

Summarization: The paper presents the study of a Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal solar water system installed on the roof of buildings. The conducted analysis focuses on a detailed experimental investigation of both the electrical and thermal behavior, and in addition on the holistic environmental analysis during the complete life cycle of the system. The photovoltaic module, used for electricity production, is connected with a heat recovery unit with circulating fluid flow for cooling, while the extracted heat can be used for domestic hot water provision. The aim of this study is to analyze the energy and environmental performance of arrangements based on natural and forced circulation, and to draw general conclusions for the viability of such systems. The environmental performance of the studied devices was evaluated through a detailed Life Cycle Assessment. The energy analysis proves that hybrid systems are more efficient compared to conventional solar thermal and photovoltaic appliances, while they are less environmentally friendly mainly during their production and installation phasesPresented on: Renewable Energ

Combined operation, modeling and life cycle assessment of a generic hybrid power system installed in Crete

Summarization: In this work the energy modeling and the life cycle analysis of a generic hybrid power system (HPS) installed in the island of Crete, Greece is presented. The studied system comprises a cogeneration system (CG), photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines (WT). Two cases (i.e. autonomous or grid-connected operation) have been examined, while the life time operation period of the system was assumed to 25 years. The main aim of this study is to determine the optimal sizing of this generic HPS aiming at the highest performance and the lowest environmental impacts and operating costs. A second objective is to analyze the life cycle of the HPS in order to highlight the anticipated environmental impacts throughout its lifetime and to draw general conclusions for the viability of such systems especially in islands. The energy performance of the studied HPS was modeled using HOMER while the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was implemented in SimaPro.Παρουσιάστηκε στο: Energy System

Life cycle assessment as a methodological tool for the optimum design of integrated collector storage solar water heaters

Summarization: This study presents a simulation tool for the design optimization of Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heaters using a prototype solar device as reference. The prototype is a commercially available ICS with Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) reflector, installed in the island of Crete, Greece. The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal sizing of the CPC reflector, aiming at the highest performance of the system, the lowest environmental impacts and the minimization of the production cost. For the environmental profile of the model, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was employed. The implemented multi objective nonlinear optimum design of the ICS systems based on the results of the LCA. The environmental parameters in operation mode were evaluated using additional subroutines and functions of the code, which based on RETScreen Expert software examples. The analysis was implemented for different reflector configurations and storage types. The investigated configurations were compared with previous ICS models, in order to define the design specifications for the fabrication of new solar devices. The results imply that the redesigned models improve the energy and environmental performance of the original systems whilst at the same time the total production cost was minimized.Παρουσιάστηκε στο: Energ

Design, energy, environmental and cost analysis of an integrated collector storage solar water heater based on multi-criteria methodology

Summarization: The paper presents a design and operation analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heater, which consists of an asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) reflector trough, while the water tank comprises two concentric cylinders. The annulus between these vessels is partially depressurized and contains a small amount of water in the bottom of the outer vessel which dominantly contributes to the heat transfer from the outer to the inner cylinder. A multi-criteria optimization algorithm is applied to re-evaluate the design specifications of the parabolic surface, thus modifying the design of the entire ICS system and predict the necessary number of units for achieving the highest possible effectiveness with minimized fabrication costs and environmental impacts. The environmental footprint of the device is assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The produced thermal energy in conjunction with the environmental and economic results are evaluated as a function of different configuration parameters regarding the water storage conditions, the solar radiation and the total pressure inside the annulus. The ultimate aim of the evaluation process is to offer new perspectives on the design principles of environmentally friendly and cost-effective devices with improved thermal performance.Presented on: Energie