Year: 1984
Type: report
Abstract: This report describes research done in FY 1982 at the Solar Energy Research Institute to lower the installed cost of residential solar space heating and domestic hot water systems. After surveying candidate system designs, the drainback system was chosen for further analysis. Criteria for filling, draining, and establishing a siphon were determined analytically and experimentally. The effects of different heat exchanger locations were investigated using computer simulations, and a method for reducing pumping power was established. Use of polybutylene piping and low cost storage tanks were identified as major contributors to cost reduction. To identify low-cost collector concepts, two detailed materials surveys were conducted - one for absorbers, the other for glazings. The new lightweight laminated polymers were identified as promising glazing materials. It was concluded that the installed cost of a drainback system, using polybutylene piping and currently available low-cost collectors could be brought down to about $270/m/sup 2/ ($25/ft/sup 2/). Further development of new low-cost collector concepts is needed to bring this price down to $150/m/sup 2/ ($14/ft/sup 2/), which is the cost required to supply a 5-year discounted payback period vs. electricity (based on national averages and assuming no tax credits).
DOI: 10.2172/6780903
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Division of Materials Research
OpenAlex ID: W26265190