Stratification by Natural Convection Directed to Improve Energy Autonomy: Development of an Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater
Abstract
Development showed in this paper, overcomes the disadvantage presents at the hot water´s tanks, both solar systems and those that use other energy sources, originated in the mixture of cold water coming into the system with hot water contained therein, causing a decrease in temperature. The collector storage system of three tanks improves stratification by natural convection both inside each tank and between them. Different aspects of design are discussed, the bases of the simulation program, and the results of the experimental evaluation that allow characterizing the system, validating the simulation program, determining the performance and evaluating the degree of autonomy and the solar fraction. Additional aspects such as frost resistance, tartar formation and others related to installation and maintenance are incorporated. Keywords: Autonomy, stratification, integrated accumulator collector