Matching Collector’s Azimuthal Orientation and Energy Demand Profile for Thermosyphonic Systems

Abstract

When a load profile is given, a thermosyphonic solar water heater’s collector’s azimuthal orientation should be considered as a parameter for maximizing the system’s performance. This is demonstrated by simulating such a system with various azimuthal collectors orientation subjected to a single fixed or a daily routine load during the day. The results indicate that the system performance, which is measured here by the average (or “mixed-cup”) temperature of the withdrawn load, could be improved appreciably by a proper match between the collector’s azimuthal orientation and the specifics of the load profiles.