Design, Modelling and Experimental Investigation of an Economic Domestic STHW System Using T*Sol® Simulation in Botswana

^1-5 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Botswana, Gaborone. Botswana
³ Department of Industrial design and technology, University of Botswana, Gaborone. Botswana

^* Corresponding author : seretseom@mopipi.ub.bw

Abstract

The study describes a research and development directed at examining research and design a SHWS, and test a flat-plate solar collector capable of collection efficiency in excess of 50 percent at an inlet fluid temperature 22ºC. The model was analyzed using theoretical and mathematical analysis and the T*SOL® simulation programme for solar thermal heating systems using radiation data to site. The average efficiency of mathematically designed system was higher as 70% than the designed value efficiency of 20. The effectiveness of the collector was seen to be higher toward the start of the test and reductions consistently as the test advances with time. The economic analysis of the whole system desired was done with an initial total investment of US$991.10. The economic performance of the system gives a positive net present value of US$4662.13with a payback period of 0.7 years. At a steady radiation, the higher the heat absorbed, the higher the efficiency of the collector. The use of the flat plate solar collector for domestic and commercial heating (for eight person bread and breakfast) purposes in Gaborone is feasible since reasonable temperatures (outlet from the collector, t_o) were realized.