Performance analysis of solar water heater system with heat pipe evacuated tube collector on Moha soft drink industries in Ethiopia
Mesay Siyoum Gudeta, Samson Mekbeb Atnaw, Migbaru Shibeshi, Eneyw Gardie
Abstract
Hot water is a crucial demand for many of Ethiopia's industrial and household heating systems. Most industries are using boilers powered by conventional energy sources to meet the demand for hot water. Due to the environmental impact of conventional energy sources usage and the rise in fossil fuel prices, the utilization of solar energy as a source of energy become a promising candidate for various applications. We use MATLAB/SIMULINK software to carry out this study of solar water heating systems with heat pipe evacuated tube collectors. Comparisons of total solar radiations were made at various optimum tilt angles for the selected locations. The adjustment of tilt angles has a great impact on the collection of useful energy. The maximum average annual energy savings are 1.21E+06 kWh/year for Addis Ababa at monthly and seasonal optimum tilt angles, 1.26E+06 kWh/year for Dire Dewa at a monthly optimum tilt angle, and 1.21E+06 kWh/year for Hawassa at a monthly optimum tilt angle. This means it will reduce 326,700 kg of CO2, 340,200 kg of CO2, and 326,700 kg of CO2 emissions per year respectively. The efficiency increases as the heat transfer fluid flow rate increases. The maximum annual cost savings are at monthly optimum tilt angles of the collector (6.12E+04 $/year, 6.36E+04 $/year, and 6.11E+04 $/year for Addis Ababa, Dire Dewa, and Hawassa cities, respectively with a payback period of 6.43 years, 6.18 years and 6.44 for Addis Ababa, Dire Dewa and Hawassa cities, respectively.