Simultaneously Optimization of Solar Water Heater Design Parameters Considering Consumption Patterns

Hot water distribution for different purposes is one of the most important factors which have not been studied in solar water heater design. The main goal in the solar water heater installation is to receive the maximum solar radiation on a unit surface of the solar collector without considering the hot water distribution. In order to achieve the maximum solar absorption with higher efficiency, the optimum collector orientation can be determined by modification of basic solar calculations using consumption time interval and storage tank temperature. The effect of latitude, longitude and altitude on the optimum collector orientation is well investigated in classical solar calculations but the optimal collector performance is also dependent on several other factors concerning the hot water distribution. The main objective of the paper is the simultaneously optimization of design parameters such as collector direction and storage tank capacity by consideration of the consumption pattern. The results show increasing up to 7% in annual energy saving and 1.5% in economic saving.