The Electric Function, Solar Energy and Efficient Water Heating
Abstract
In Uruguay much energy is used for water heating purposes. Most frequent energy sources are Joule effect electricity (JUL) and gas combustion, while renewable energy sources are seldom used. The usual requirements on solar heating systems (generally thermo-siphon systems TS): a) collectors should face the equator, b) they should be inclined conveniently, c) shadows, when sun is on, should be minimized, are minimal barriers when compared to the daily, seasonal and weather generated variations in solar irradiance. To lift these barriers implies to have at our disposal an auxiliary source and a thermally insulated hot water storage