Thermal Performance through Heat Retention in Integrated Collector-Storage Solar Water Heaters: A Review

Abstract

Solar thermal systems are a long-standing technology that is receiving increased attention, in terms of research and development, due to ambitious climate change targets and the need for renewable energy solutions. Integrated collector-storage solar water heaters (ICSSWHs) are a potential contributing solution and numerous studies have focussed on the optimisation of their thermal performance and efficiency. A major drawback of these systems is the heavy heat losses experienced during non-collection periods. To combat this, various heat retention strategies have been proposed and evaluated, including baffles plates, additional insulation, multiple glazing layers, selective coatings, and phase change materials. This paper aims to bring together these studies through a systematic review of the existing literature surrounding the performance of ICSSWH systems, focusing on heat retention. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date point of reference on relevant research and developments for researchers in this field.

Citation

Saint, R. M., Garnier, C., Pomponi, F., & Currie, J. (2018). Thermal Performance through Heat Retention in Integrated Collector-Storage Solar Water Heaters: A Review. Energies, 11(6), 1615. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11061615

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Jun 19, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jun 20, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 20, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jun 20, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 20, 2018
• Journal: Energies
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1615
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en11061615
• Keywords: integrated collector-storage solar water heater (ICSSWH); thermal performance; technological development; heat retention; solar energy
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1227882