Performance and Energy Analysis of Solar Water Heating Plant in Area of High Solar Radiation: Case of Study in Northern Chile
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study focuses on the analysis of the efficiency and the energy performance of a solar water heating plant located in the North of Chile, characterized by an Instantaneous Global Solar Radiation reaching around 1000 W/m2. The influence of the flow rates, the impact of the storage volume and the management of the Domestic Hot Water (DHW) consumption in an indirect active solar system are investigated. The experimental results reveal that the higher flow rates translate into the greater efficiency, reaching a 72% with a flow rate of the 0.63 m3/h compared to the 46% obtained with a flow rate of the 0.35 m3/h. Also, under similar operating conditions, the larger capacity tank (200 L) reaches a lower maximum temperature during the charging (60 °C vs. 75 °C for the tank of 100 L). However, despite the lower temperature reached, the largest capacity tank (200 L) manages to recover 55% more of DHW. This analysis highlights the importance of considering the efficiency, the storage capacity, and the consumption management to optimize solar water heating systems in environments with high solar radiation, such as northern Chile. Furthermore, the exploration of innovative technologies, such as the use of Phase Change Materials (PCM), is suggested to further improve the efficiency of the thermal storage system.
DOI: 10.1155/er/9912440
Institution: Universidad de Antofagasta
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,700
OpenAlex ID: W4412656840