An investigation into the performance and cost effectiveness of thermosyphon solar water heaters

Abstract

In this paper, the TRNSYS Simulation Program is used to investigate the monthly and annual solar fraction of a Thermosyphon Solar Water Heater and to evaluate its economic viability in terms of its life cycle savings over a conventional water heating system. The results of the simulation indicate that the yearly solar contribution of the system ranges from 63% for a high hot water consumption profile to 89% for a low consumption pattern. The payback period of the system is as low as 3 years when compared to electric water heating systems. As long as the competitor is diesel oil, the payback period increases to 7-9 years, depending on the hot water consumption profile used.