Second law analysis and optimization of solar hot water systems

Abstract EN

Two typical solar domestic hot water systems are analyzed on the basis of the first and second law of thermodynamics using the Rand, ASHRAE and Vitro load profiles.

Parametric studies are performed to examine the sensitivity of total entropy generation and auxiliary energy consumption to system parameters.

Optimum load profiles are obtained to evaluate the degree of dependency of entropy production to load profiles.

Results indicate that entropy production per liter of hot water withdrawal is rather insensitive to load profile variations.

Therefore it can be utilized to select tank volume and collector size for a required daily hot water demand