Lessons Learned From 30 Years Experience With Renewable Energy Technologies at Fort Huachuca, Arizona

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Stein ◽  
Roch A. Ducey ◽  
Bruce R. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wood Chip ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Electric Generator ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

Fort Huachuca, AZ, located 60 mi Southeast of Tucson, has had over 30 years of experience with various renewable energy systems. This session discusses lessons learned from the successes and failures in that experience, including: an indoor pool solar water heating system (installed 1980); a solar domestic hot water (DHW) system (installed 1981); a grid connected Photovoltaic system (installed 1982); transpired air solar collectors (Solarwalls,™ installed 2001); day-lighting (installed 2001); a 10-KW wind turbine (installed 2002); photovoltaic powered outdoor lighting (installed 1994); a prototype Dish/Stirling solar thermal electric generator (installed 1996); two 30-KW Building Integrated Photovoltaic systems (installed on new membrane roofs in 2009); and a 36-KW Photovoltaic system moved from the Pentagon in June 2009 and became operational November 2009 at Fort Huachuca. Also discussed is an experimental solar attic system (first installed in 2003 and now being fully monitored) that collects hot air in an attic, and via a heat exchanger and tank, produces solar DHW. This paper discusses system design, installation, metering, operation and maintenance, and also work in progress on the installation of commercial, off-the-shelf 3-KW Dish/Stirling solar thermal electric generators and solar thermal/natural gas-to-electric systems at a central plant. Discussions include biogas (methane from a wastewater digester) and biomass (wood chip boiler) being installed at a central heating/cooling plant.

A Photovoltaic Solar Water Heating System

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Fanney ◽  
B. P. Dougherty
Keyword(s):  
Water System ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water ◽  
Photovoltaic Array ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

A novel solar water heating system was patented in 1994. This system uses photovoltaic cells to generate electrical energy that is subsequently dissipated in multiple electric resistive heating elements. A microprocessor controller continually selects the appropriate heating elements such that the resistive load causes the photovoltaic array to operate at or near maximum power. Unlike other residential photovoltaic systems, the photovoltaic solar water heating system does not require an inverter to convert the direct current supplied by the photovoltaic array to an alternating current or a battery system for storage. It uses the direct current supplied by the photovoltaic array and the inherent storage capabilities of a residential water heater. A photovoltaic solar hot water system eliminates the components most often associated with the failures of solar thermal hot water systems. Although currently more expensive than a solar thermal hot water system, the continued decline of photovoltaic cell prices is likely to make this system competitive with solar thermal hot water systems within the next decade. This paper describes the system, discusses the advantages and disadvantages relative to solar thermal water heating systems, reviews the various control strategies which have been considered, and presents experimental results for two full-scale prototype systems.

scholarly journals Potential of HVAC and solar technologies for hospital retrofit to reduce heating energy consumption

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 01016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavian G. Pop ◽  
Ancuta C. Abrudan ◽  
Dan S. Adace ◽  
Adrian G. Pocola ◽  
Mugur C. Balan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Thermal Response ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Thermal System ◽  
Solar Thermal System

The study presents a combination of several energy efficient technologies together with their potential to reduce the energy consumption and to increase the comfort through the retrofit of a hospital building. The existing situation is characterized by an old and inefficient heating system, by the complete missing of any ventilation and by no cooling. The retrofit proposal includes thermal insulation and a distributed HVAC system consisting of several units that includes air to air heat exchangers and air to air heat pumps. A condensing boiler was also considered for heating. A solar thermal system for preparing domestic hot water and a solar photovoltaic system to assist the HVAC units are also proposed. Heat transfer principles are used for modelling the thermal response of the building to the environmental parameters and thermodynamic principles are used for modelling the behaviour of HVAC, solar thermal system and photovoltaic system. All the components of the heating loads were determined for one year period. The study reveals the capacity of the proposed systems to provide ventilation and thermal comfort with a global reduction of energy consumption of 71.6 %.

scholarly journals Design, Fabrication, and Efficiency Study of a Novel Solar Thermal Water Heating System: Towards Sustainable Development

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Z. H. Khan ◽  
M. R. Al-Mamun ◽  
S. Sikdar ◽  
P. K. Halder ◽  
M. R. Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

This paper investigated a novel loop-heat-pipe based solar thermal heat-pump system for small scale hot water production for household purposes. The effective use of solar energy is hindered by the intermittent nature of its availability, limiting its use and effectiveness in domestic and industrial applications especially in water heating. The easiest and the most used method is the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy. We developed a prototype solar water heating system for experimental test. We reported the investigation of solar thermal conversion efficiency in different seasons which is 29.24% in summer, 14.75% in winter, and 15.53% in rainy season. This paper also discusses the DC heater for backup system and the current by using thermoelectric generator which are 3.20 V in summer, 2.120 V in winter, and 1.843 V in rainy season. This solar water heating system is mostly suited for its ease of operation and simple maintenance. It is expected that such novel solar thermal technology would further contribute to the development of the renewable energy (solar) driven heating/hot water service and therefore lead to significant environmental benefits.

Problem about Solar Water Heating System and Residential Building Integrated

2012 ◽  
Vol 193-194 ◽  
pp. 30-33
Author(s):  
Xue Ying Wang ◽  
Dong Xu ◽  
Ya Jun Wu
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Water System ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Drainage Design ◽  
Hot Water Supply ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

This article analyzes the problem in application the solar system was used in residential building, puts forward the requirements to use energy and choose the setting of the solar energy collector from two aspects of building and drainage design respectively. In addition, the article explicates andthe solar energy collector and building integrated design and the development of solar energy collector. At last, the article puts forward some Suggestions on the improvement and development of residential solar hot water system and the design of the hot water supply bath solution of practice to make solar energy and low power assisted by night combining.

scholarly journals Economic assessment and optimizing of the solar water heating system

2018 ◽  
Vol 210 ◽  
pp. 02023
Author(s):  
Jan Skovajsa ◽  
Martin Zálešák
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Optimal Parameters ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

The article deals with the economic evaluation of investment and optimization of the solar water heating system for family houses. From the point of view of solar systems, the optimal solution is based on the specific application of it. The design is dependent on the location of solar thermal collectors and ration between active aperture area and real daytime consumption. Common calculations according to actual standards often give overstated results, which also reflected in the value of the investments. The article presents the research of optimal parameters of the thermal solar system for preparing of domestic hot water. A combination of related standards and software TRNSYS are used to find optimal parameters. Thanks to created and verified simulation models, it is possible to design parameters so as to avoid under-dimensioning or over-dimensioning of the solar system. Energy price is another factor affects the payback period of investments. This is affected by the used energy sources and their combination. For example, buildings that use electricity to heat water or heating have different energy charges than a building that uses natural gas. So, the aim is to find technically and economically efficient solution.

Implementation of Solar Thermal Driven Absorption Cooling in the Southeast

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Absorption Chiller ◽  
Solar Absorption ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
Annual Behavior ◽  
Cooling Loads ◽  
Radiant Floor Heating ◽  
Floor Heating

A 35,000 ft2 [3,251 m2] Creative Arts instruction building is being constructed on the campus of Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC (∼25 miles [40 km] west of Asheville). The building’s HVAC system consists of a solar absorption chiller, two parallel back-up electric chillers, and radiant floor heating with condensing boiler back-up. Hot water is to be heated by 117 solar thermal panels with thermal energy storage in a 12,000 gallon [45,000 liters] insulated tank and service to both the absorption chiller and the radiant under-floor heating system. Peak cooling loads and unfavorable solar conditions are to be handled by parallel electric chillers, operated in sequence to achieve maximum performance. Emergency radiant under-floor heating hot water back-up is to be handled by gas-fired condensing boilers in the event of unavailable solar heated hot water. This paper will examine the extensive modeling process required of the system as performed in EnergyPlus, how preliminary modeling results influenced the control and design strategy, the annual behavior of the system and the importance of controllability.

Joint Application of Solar Water Heating System and Air-Conditioning System in a Dormitory Building

2010 ◽  
Vol 171-172 ◽  
pp. 215-218
Author(s):  
Hai Ying Wang ◽  
Song Tao Hu ◽  
Jia Ping Liu
Keyword(s):  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Water Tank ◽  
Auxiliary Heating ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Air Conditioning System ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

Solar water heating system is used to supply hot water all-year-round for a new dormitory building. Flat solar energy collectors are mounted on the roof. The hot water tank and pumps are installed together with the air conditioning equipments in the plant room. Air cooled heat pump is used to provide cooling in summer, and high temperature water from boiler room (in old building) is used as heat source in winter. Usually auxiliary heating is necessary to improve the stability and reliability of solar water heating system. In this case, we take full use of the equipment of air conditioning system instead of electricity as auxiliary heating resources. In this paper, we introduced the design of the solar water heating system and the auxiliary heating method by air conditioning systems. The control strategies to fulfill all the functions and switch between different conditions are also introduced.

A Rating Procedure for Solar Domestic Water Heating Systems

1983 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Klein ◽  
A. H. Fanney
Keyword(s):  
Heating System ◽  
Testing Procedure ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Solar Water Heating System ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

A rating procedure for solar domestic hot water systems is described which combines the advantages of short-term system tests and correlations of long-term thermal performance. The testing procedure consists of two indoor tests which are in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 95-1981, except for one additional measurement needed only for systems employing a heat exchanger between the collector fluid and the potable water. The test results are plotted in a manner in which they can be used to estimate the long-term performance of the solar water heating system for any location where site-specific, monthly-average meterological data are available. The annual solar function obtained in this manner provides the recommended rating indicator. The validity of this rating procedure is first demonstrated by simulations. Further support is provided by experiments conducted at the National Bureau of Standards.

Theory of Solar Hot Water System Construction Application Engineering Evaluation Field Test Method - The Amount of Solar Irradiance Intercept Method

2015 ◽  
Vol 737 ◽  
pp. 71-75
Author(s):  
Hong Wei Gong ◽  
Zhong Yuan Wang ◽  
Xuan Yan ◽  
Huan Fu
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Water System ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Test Method ◽  
System Construction ◽  
Radiation Interception ◽  
Test Application ◽  
Energy Efficiency Evaluation ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

In the energy efficiency evaluation of renewable energy, in order to confirm the application of solar hot water system of building practical application effect, on-site testing is needed for solar water heating system. During the short term test, in order to improve the testing progress and to reduce the input, the relevant standard proposes the "solar radiation interception method". This paper mainly contrasts and analyzes the results deviation of "solar radiation interception method" in the actual test application. It also improveds the testing methods and testing precision.

Experimental Research on a Novel Solar Water Heating System by Using Loop Heat Pipe

2013 ◽  
Vol 724-725 ◽  
pp. 163-170
Author(s):  
Zhang Yuan Wang ◽  
Xiang Mei Zhang ◽  
Wan Sheng Yang ◽  
Zhi Wu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pipe ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Loop Heat Pipe ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water ◽  
Evacuated Tubes ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

In this paper, a novel solar water heating system will be proposed by applying the loop heat pipe to a conventional split solar hot water system, which will have the characteristics of high efficiency, low cost, appearance appealing and building integration. Three types of the system, i.e., the system with evacuated tubes, with single flat-plate glazing cover, and without glazing, will be experimentally investigated and compared on the influence to the dynamic performance of the system. It was found that the system’s operating temperature increased significantly during the start-up stage and gently after until reach relatively constant. The instantaneous efficiency was found to be fluctuated, although it reached stable eventually during the operations for all three types. By using the moving average calculating method, every 10 minutes were applied for the calculation of the average efficiency which had a negative linear relation with the combined factor of (Tmean-Tamb)/I. In general, the solar system with evacuated tubes performed the best with the highest water temperature output, highest system efficiency and lowest heat loss coefficient among the three systems.

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