Fault Analysis and Optimisation of the Solar Thermal System for Domestic Water at the University of Applied Sciences Trier
Abstract
The reason for analysing the solar heating system located at the University of Applied Sciences in Trier were permanent problems with the operation, the reduced solar income and the continuous error message every morning. In summary it can be said that the calculated dimensions of the system back in 2005 were correct but the operation was inappropriate. The system pressures did not match the set value and in the freely programmable controller [2] many parameters were improvable and amendable. Due to the specially developed collector-cooling mechanism and other optimisations the system now runs very satisfying; stagnations caused by high solar radiation can successfully be delayed in time or even be avoided. System components and solar fluid are being saved through the shorter or absent steam period. From December 2008 until February 2009 the solar system produced enough hot water to supply the showers of the sports centre it is placed on. In the past two years this was not even possible in the annual balance sheet.