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Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 1
Solar Domestic Water Heating– How to get Started –
Gordon Howell, P.Eng.Phone: +1 780 484 0476E-mail: [email protected]
©1995-2008
Trimline Training Centre
2008 April 10 and 17
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 2
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 3
Intro: My Goals…
To empower you to get ready for the energy and environmental issues coming upon us
To help you understand how solar heating can be used to heat your household hot water
To help you take next steps in using solar water heating– to reduce your natural gas bills, – to reduce your environmental footprint, – to increase your energy security– to leave a legacy… so you can look your grandkids in the eye!
We have done a lot of research for you and have assembled it here in one place
I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! Thomas EdisonI hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that. (1847–1931)
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 4
Intro: Me! ––
I am a solar system project developerI am not an equipment supplierI have no vested interest in any technology
My interest is that you choose wisely– with your eyes wide open– based on the facts and whether it is right for you
or not.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 5
Intro: Your Goals?
What are your goals?
What do you want to get out of the course?
What do you want to achieve by using solar heating?
The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi…but not every man's greed. (Mahatma) India
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 6
Intro: What the Course Does…
NOT a design course… This is an introductory course
Gives you familiarity with the technology and its terms, concepts, components and costs.
Gives you space to ask questions and get answers right away … or I can find answers for you.
Dispels mis-understanding and myths about solar energy
Helps you understand how to buy a solar water heating system with confidence
FAST – GOOD – CHEAP… you are only allowed to choose two of them!
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 7
Intro: Solar Water Heating
– What is it?
Solar water heating systems produce heat from the energy in sunlight.
Solar collectors convert the sun’s energy to heat. They heat water or glycol, which is then pumped to a storage tank for use in the building.
Most commonly used for heating household domestic water.
Can be used for heating swimming pools and building spaces.– The technologies are very very similar, but…– the application has radically different heating requirements throughout the
year.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 8
How does it work?What equipment do you need?
What can you expect from it?
How much does it cost?What is the price of its heat?How does this compare with other prices?
How to put it on your house? – Location, tilt, orientation– Finding a contractor
Solar domestic water heating systemEdmonton
Intro: Course Focus
Natural gas utility companies:– This course is not about being
against them.– They have had a critically important
role in helping society grow, by providing affordable energy and by showing us how to use it in a very safe way.
Be the change you want to see in the world.Mahatma Gandhi, India
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 9
Context: Energy Efficiency vs. Adding Energy…
Solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal heat pump energy options:– Do NOT reduce your energy consumption!– Instead they substitute your heating source from natural gas over to the sun…
Energy efficiency option:– Cheapest, most important, highest return on investment and shortest payback
option…– But it is emotionally boring
Solar, wind and geothermal all have much higher costs and longer paybacks than energy efficiency
– It is exciting and something you can brag about to your friends…
Climate change: Gordon Campbell The costs of doing nothing are getting higher every day. BC Premier
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 10
Context: Why Use Solar Heating?
Utility Costs
Reduce heating bills – you pay for solar heating equipment up front
Reduce vulnerability to up and down heating prices
Environmental FootprintReduce how much air pollution you cause from burning natural gasIncrease the reserve of natural gas you leave for the next generation
Political will arises from personal momentumWe need to be the leaders to our governments and corporations.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 11
Context: Why Use Solar Heating?
Business OpportunityServe the growing public interestServe the multi-billion $ world markets
Social OpportunityProvide the leadership that we needEncourage the government to facilitate it instead of developing policies that block it
The superior man seeks what is right; Confuciusthe inferior one, what is profitable.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 12
Proven technology – thousands of systems across Canada
Can provide energy security and independence
Inflation-proof
Political-proof
No noise
No emissions
Low or zero Low or zero maintenance costscosts
Low or zero Low or zero operating cost
Extends the lifetime of our dwindling natural gas resources
Context: Benefits of Solar Heating…
The dependence on fossil fuels is a major barrier The New Economics…to improving human well-being around the globe. Foundation
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 13
Purchase costs are high
Not a well developed supply or installation chain
Not a lot of broad-based experience in Canada
Has to compete with highly subsidized natural gas
Little interest by the government in developing technology assistance programs
Code barriers
Context: Challenges with Solar Heating…
When one tugs at a single thing in nature, John Muiryou find it attached to the rest of the world. Conservationist
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 14
Other Countries…
Tens of thousands of new solar water heaters are installed worldwide each year.
In Austria, one in seven homes uses solar water heating.
In Germany, one in 16 homes uses solar water heating.
Spain legally requires solar hot water systems in all new buildings.
Some 80% of solar water heating systems are manufactured and installed in China.
We are consuming the resources of our planet at such a rate Prince Charles that we are, in effect, living off credit and living on borrowed time. of Windsor
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 15
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Every great movement must experience three stages: John Stuart Mill…ridicule, discussion, adoption.
Next
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 16
Background: What is Energy? – The basics
The superior man seeks what is right; Confuciusthe inferior one, what is profitable.
Energy is the ability to do work:– Equals a force exerted over a distance– Measured in "Joules" or "J“.
Heat is a form of energy.
Electricity is NOT energy, it is free electrons– but the energy that is in them can be extracted and put to work– thus electricity is usually represented as energy.
Light is NOT energy, it is photons– but the energy that is in them can also be extracted and put to work.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 17
Background: What is Power? – The basics
Power is the rate at which energy flows!!!Measured in Joules per second, which we call a "watt", or "W".
Heat flows from one place to another through:– Conduction – such as through a metal object– Convection – which causes hot air to rise– Radiation – which transports light energy from the sun to the earth
Heat flow is caused by a temperature difference – whenever you have a temperature difference
then you will have a flow of heat
Our responsibility is to retain what we treasure because Frederick Steiner we are merely guests on these spaces of earth which we inhabit. "Living Landscape"
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 18
Question: What is Alberta's most abundant energy resource?
All energy is Some energy is black, It's your choicenot created equally. some is green. …but everyone's consequences.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 19
– Our Most Abundant Energy Resource
What is the use of a house...if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? Henry David Thoreau, America
Alberta: The Solar Province
14 hours of sunshine = all our fossil energy resources in 2001!
Alberta's sunshine is over 300 timesmore than our fossil fuel resources.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 20
Solar energy – the energy contained in
the photons that comprise sunlight
Sunlight is– visible light– electromagnetic radiation (as is all light)– non-ionizing radiation (as is all light)– short-wave light (different from radio waves or
microwaves)
All energy has come from the sun!– some of it has just been stored for a time!
It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could Elizabeth Kolbertchoose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing. New Yorker
What is Solar Energy?
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 21
Red Deer'snewest net zero electricity home
Okotoks swimming poolsolar heating
Okotoks 52-home solar heated subdivision
Cochrane High School solar power
Photo Credit: Gordon Howell
Photo Credit: SPS Energy
Photo Credit: Gordon Howell
Solar Energy– where can it be used –
Anything that uses electricity
Space heating
Water heating – for domestic water, pools
Industrial and commercial process heating
Cooking
Daytime illumination
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 22
How do we use Solar Energy?
Need to collect it (both for electricity and heating)
Need to store it – but only if we have enough to spare for times when we need it
Need to deliver it to the appliances and the house
Need to protect ourselves from it! (…overheating)
You cannot teach a man anything, You can only help him discover it within himself. Galileo
SourceCollector
Storage
UsageDelivery
Recovery
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 23
Aurum Lodge, 2004
Solar Heating for Residential Domestic Water
School north of Cochrane, 2007
Sally Anne Rice home, Edmonton, 2007
Tim Belec home, Pigeon Lake, 2007
Tim Belec home, Pigeon Lake, 2007
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 24
Restaurant, 16 Ave N, Calgary, 2002
Best Western Hotel, Kelowna, 2003
Drake Landing Solar Community, Okotoks, 2006
Recreation Centre swimming pool, Okotoks, 2003
Photo Credit:Swiss Solar Tech
Solar Heating for Commercial
Process Water
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 25
Solar heating and solar electricity
are NOT the same…
Solar heating – A dark surface sitting in the sunshine– Water or air runs past the solar
heated surface carrying heat to the building.
Solar electricity– A semiconductor device like a computer
chip– Photons bump electrons out of an atom.– Wires carry the electrons away.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 26
How many solar panels do you see here?32
2
1
What words do we use?
Solarwall ventilation air pre-heating system
Solar domestic water heating
system
Solar electric generating system
Direct gain passive solar space heating
windows
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 27
What words do we use?
Solar panels
Solar heating:– thermal collectors
Solar electricity:– photovoltaic modules
Cities grow great when old men plant treesin whose shade they know they will never sit.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 28
Solar Domestic Water Heating System - Concept
© 2006-2008 Trimline Design Centre
Sunlight and its energy
Collectors
Piping, pumps,valves,control, flow meter
Storage tank, heat exchangers
Cold water source
Hot water usage
The only thing lacking is some form of leadership … to focus the public will to make it happen.
Lots of configuration optionsLots of component types
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 29
Solar Water Heating – Major Components
SolarSolar controllercontroller (one type)(one type)
HeatHeat exchangerexchanger
PrePre--heatheat water tankwater tank
PipingPiping connectionsconnections
SolarSolar collectorscollectors
(~$1000 (~$1000 eacheach))
Where there is a will, there is a way…It's not about economics. It is about a will.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 30
Solar Water Heating – Controller Turns On Pump
In In thisthis exampleexample, a , a solarsolar pumppump isislocatedlocated on top of the on top of the heatheatexchangerexchanger;;
The The controllercontroller sendssends a signal to a signal to the the pumppump to to turnturn onon……
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 31
Solar Water Heating – Liquid is CirculatedGlycol (antiGlycol (anti--freezefreeze) ) isis thenthencirculatedcirculated betweenbetween the the heatheatexchangerexchanger and the and the solarsolarcollectorscollectors……
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 32
Solar Water Heating – Liquid is Heated
WithinWithin the the collectorscollectors, the glycol , the glycol absorbsabsorbs the the solar heatheat……
The The collectedcollected solarsolar heatheat circulatescirculatesback to the back to the heatheat exchangerexchanger…… 1
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 33
Solar Water Heating – Heat is Transferred
Cold water Cold water isis circulatedcirculated betweenbetween the the solarsolar tank and the tank and the heatheat exchangerexchanger……
The The heatheat exchangerexchanger transferstransfers the the solarsolar heatheat intointo the waterthe water……
The The heatedheated water water returnsreturns back back intointothe the solarsolar tank.tank.
1
2
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 34
The The heatheat collection collection processprocessoperatesoperates over the over the wholewhole dayday……
The The solarsolar tank water tank water heatsheats up up throughoutthroughout the the dayday……
UntilUntil the the wholewhole solarsolar tank tank isis filledfilledwithwith hot water!hot water!
Solar Water Heating – Hot Water is Stored
2
1
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 35
WhenWhen hot water hot water isis drawndrawn off for off for usageusage……
SolarSolar heatedheated water water flowsflows intointo the the gasgas or or electricelectric booster tankbooster tank……
And cold water And cold water fromfrom the city the city isisdrawndrawn intointo the the solarsolar tanktank……
Solar Water Heating – Delivery to You
1
23
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 36
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 37
The solar window:Where most of the sun's energy comes from…
Path of the sun across the sky
All electrons are Some electrons are black, Your choice…not created equally. some are green. but everyone's consequences.
Sun's pathDecember 21 Sun's path
June 21
NorthSouth
East
West
3pm
10am
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 38
The Energy in Solar Radiation
= 3.6 sun-hours/day in Edmonton
… ok, but under what conditions
– Tilt? horizontal, 6/12 tilt, 53 tilt, vertical?
– Orientation? north, south, east, west?
– Conditions? maximum, average
– When? summer, winter, yearly?
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 39
Solar Myth:Solar needs to be perfectly orientated
in order to work at all!
precise optimum tilt and orientation to collect maximum solar energy
wide range of angles to orient and tilt solar equipment and still not be too far off maximum
All heat is Some heat is black, Your choice…not created equally. some is green. but everyone's consequences.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 40
The maximum annual solar energy production occurs at around a 53° tilt.If your goal is to maximise this, your tilt angle can be from 18° to 80° and still be within 10% of the maximum.
Optimum Annual Solar Tilt AngleEdmonton
% of energy from optimum annual tilt angle
-30%
-25%
-20%
-15%
-10%
-5%
0%0 13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 90
Horizontal Vertical
4.8
3.6
4.0
sun-hours/day
= kWh/m2/day
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 41
Optimum Winter Solar Tilt AngleEdmonton
% of energy from optimum winter tilt angle
-80%
-70%
-60%
-50%
-40%
-30%
-20%
-10%
0%0 13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 90
Horizontal Vertical
3.8
Sun-hours/day
1.0
3.4 3.75
The maximum winter solar energy production occurs at around a 83° tilt.If your goal is to maximise this, your tilt angle can be from 50° to 90° and still be within 10% of the maximum.
Snow?Reflection from snow fields?
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 42
% of energy from optimum annual orientation angle
If the goal is to maximise the annual energy production, which occurs at a due-south orientation angle, you can locate the orientation 45° either side of south and still be within 10% of the maximum.
Edmonton
-12%
-10%
-8%
-6%
-4%
-2%
0%230 220 210 200 190 180 170 160 150 140 130
Optimum Annual Solar Orientation AngleSW SESouth
SW South SESSESSW
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 43
% of energy from optimum winter orientation angle
If the goal is to maximise the winter energy production, which occurs at a due-south orientation angle, you can locate the orientation 30° either side of south and still be within 10% of the maximum.
Edmonton
-30%
-25%
-20%
-15%
-10%
-5%
0%230 220 210 200 190 180 170 160 150 140 130
Optimum Winter Solar Orientation AngleSW SESouth
SW South SESSESSW
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 44
Solar RadiationSolar RadiationHorizontalHorizontal
Peak daily sun-hours
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Annual
0°, horizontal
Months
If the world is saved, it will be saved by people with changed minds, Daniel Quinn… people with a new vision. author
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 45
Solar RadiationSolar RadiationHorizontal and 27Horizontal and 27°
What is the use of a house... if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? Henry David Thoreau, America
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
0°, horizontal
27°, 6/12 roof pitch
Months
Annual
Peak daily sun-hours
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 46
Solar RadiationSolar RadiationHorizontal, 27Horizontal, 27°, 53°
You cannot teach a man anything, You can only help him discover it within himself. Galileo
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
0°, horizontal
27°, 6/12 roof pitch
53°, latitude
Months
Annual
Peak daily sun-hours
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 47
Solar RadiationHorizontal, 27°, 53°, Vertical
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
0°, horizontal
27°, 6/12 roof pitch
53°, latitude
90°, vertical
Months
Annual
Peak daily sun-hours
In many ways our future is passing us by, Gary Lamphier… and our energy riches may one day look like fool's gold. Edmonton Journal
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 48
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
Bringing you a prosperous future American where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordable. Dept of Energy
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 49
Components
Collectors– unglazed, glazed, evacuated tube
TanksHeat exchangers
– in tank and side-armPumps
– centrifugal and positive displacementControls
– differential, digital, solar intensityPiping, fittings
– only copper, bronze, brass, stainless steelHeating fluid
– glycol, water
I am what I am – not because of what I should be or have to be……but because what I am made to be.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 50
Glazed flat-plate collector
– commercial,industrial, residential
– most common
Evacuated tube collector
– high-temperature process heating
Unglazed flat-plate collector
– primarily used inoutdoor pool heating
Enerworks
Solar Water Heating CollectorsSolar Water Heating Collectors
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 51
Unglazed Flat-Plate Collector
Have no insulation and no glass coverTypically used for low temperature and/or seasonal heating loads
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 52
Unglazed Flat-Plate Collector
Good applications:– Swimming pools– Aquaculture– Car and truck washes
If you're not in favour of zero waste …how much waste are you in favour of?
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 53
Solar Pool Heating
Unglazed collectors
Controls and valves
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 54
Unglazed Flat Plate CollectorsAdvantages
– Very low or zero maintenance costs– Very low operating costs– Can be used directly with chlorinated pool water– Least expensive– Easiest to install
Drawbacks– Can only be used in summer-like outdoor temperatures– Least efficient– Yearly draining is required– Not protected from the environment– Completely plastic and degrades over time
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world.Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. +Margaret Mead, Anthropologist
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 55Photo Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Glazed Flat Plate Collectors
Contains frame, glazing, absorber, piping, brackets, insulation, gaskets, screws
Made of glass or polymers, aluminum, steel, copper, fiberglass or isocyanurate, EPDM
Typically for residential and commercial applications
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 56
GlazingLets light in, reduces heat
loss, like a greenhouse
AbsorberConverts sunlight
into heat
InsulationReduces heat losses
FrameProtects the collector
Fluid circuitHarnesses heat from
absorber
Solar Water Heating Collectors – Concept
You must skate to where the puck is goingnot to where it is now. Wayne Gretzky
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 57
Uses selective surface coating on the absorber plate– Painted black: 90% absorbing, 30% re-emitting!– Selective surface: 94% absorbing, 5% re-emitting!
Glazed Flat Plate Collector Details
– reduces reflection, ensures glass safety
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 58
Flat Plate Collectors – Mechanical Design
Standard internal headers – headers are parallel to collector case
Can be used for drainback or no-drain systems.Need to be tilted if used in drainback systems.
Internal headers specially designed for drainback – headers are already tilted.
Can be used for drainback or no-drain systems.
No need to tilt the collectors.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 59
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Flat Plate - Glazed
Application– Used for domestic water or space heating, pools
Advantages– Very low or zero maintenance costs– Very low operating costs– Permanent installation – withstands the environment– Can be used throughout the year– Can be used for solar cooling at night
Drawbacks– Less efficient than an evacuated tube in extreme cold
weather– More wind drag than evacuated tube (doesn’t matter)
Our greatest desire is our greatest delusion unlessour greatest desire is to find out what life is all about…
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 60
Evacuated tube collectors
Single glass tube with an Single glass tube with an internal plate absorber.internal plate absorber.
oror
Double glass tube with Double glass tube with an integral coated inner an integral coated inner glass curved absorber.glass curved absorber.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 61
Evacuated tube collector – heat pipe
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 62
Apricus ETC
cut-away
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 63
Apricus ETC Operation
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 64
Evacuated TubeApplications
– Used for domestic water or space heating, pools
Benefits– Very good at collecting heat in cold and cloudy
conditions– Very low or zero maintenance costs– Very low operating costs– Permanent installation – withstands the environment– Can be used throughout the year
Drawbacks– Higher cost for extra efficiency– Limited design function – tubes must be mounted
near to vertically– Expensive – $2500 for 30 tubes– Concern about durability– Snow cover for longer time periods– Cannot be used for summer cooling (except if you
use an absorption chiller)
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 65
Failed ETC tubes
ETC tubes need to maintain their vacuum in order to operate efficientlyConcern about durability
Vacuum is good
Vacuum has failed
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 66
Residential-Sized Solar Heat Storage Tank
Storage tank with heat exchanger inside
Pump controller
Solar circulation pump
Often also has a Often also has a drainbackdrainbackreservoir and a flow meterreservoir and a flow meter
We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. Albert Einstein
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 67
Storage Tanks
Stores hot water so that it can be used at a later date.
Used to transfer heat from solar piping to domestic water.
Can contain heat exchangers.
Can be:– pressurized or non-pressurized– made from metal, fiberglass or polymer materials– mounted above or below ground level
Various sizes from 50 litres to 5000 litres or larger.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 68
Heat Exchangers
Coil inside the tank
Transfers heat from one fluid “flow”or loop to another
– Solar loop to storage loop– Solar fluid to drinking water
Protects drinkable water from glycol and stale water
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
“side-arm”
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 69
Circulation Pumps– Centrifugal
AC Pump AC Pump
DC Pump
Pumping fluid in the solar loop and space heating loop.
Allows fluid to flow both directions through the pump when stopped – critical for drainback systems.
Fluid flow rate can be controlled without causing damage to the pump. Typically 1 to 2 litres/minute per collector.
No chance of over-pressuring fluid loops or storage tank limits.
Requires in-line check valve to prevent thermo-siphoning.
Built-in motor protection for long life. Typically 10-15 years.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 70
Circulation Pumps– Positive
Displacement
Typically used for AC, DC and/or direct PV driven systems.– PV system - variable speed to match flow rate with solar intensity.
– AC or DC - fluid flow rate cannot be independently controlled to match collector requirements.
Needs pressure relief valve in fluid loop to prevent possible over-pressure condition.
Prevents thermo-siphoning conditions due to internal pump design.
Cannot be used for drainback systems.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 71
Control using Collector-Tank Temperature Difference
…the circulatingpump is onlytriggered
when the collectortemperature is higherthan the cold water temperature.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 72
System Controllers– analogue (delta T)
Typically controls one pump only, based on temperature difference.– Operates the solar loop pump only.– No multiple pump control.
Limited to low temperature sensing only.
No data logging functions.
AC power source.
AC pump control.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 73
System Controllers– digital
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
25
30
35
40
45
50
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52
Header Temp.
Typically based on a microcomputer– is programmable, very flexibility.
Additional features can include:– multiple pump control such as for double-pump systems;– real time data logging – to see system performance; and– web access and interface for remote data logging.
Selectable temperature sensors to allow for temperature monitoring up to 500°C.
Power source can be AC or DC.
25
30
35
40
1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52
Tank Temp.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 74
Control using Solar Energy Levels
…a PV module produceselectricity for a DC circulating pumpwhen the sunshines.
Solar PV module
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 75
Flow Meter
Allows:
– system flow rate to be properly set and monitored;
– visual monitoring of system fluid level; and
– visual monitoring of system fluid condition.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.Malcolm S. Forbes
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 76
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents.It was loaned to you by your children. Kenyan Proverb
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 77
Glycol-Based Configuration– Advantages
Immune to freezing.
Can run piping without concern for level or plumb.
Easy for the do-it-yourself person to install.
Text Credit: TrimlineDesign Centre
In a glycol-based configuration, typicallyglycol is pumped through the system and stays in the collectors and the lines, evenduring freezing and stagnating conditions.
Solar PV module
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 78
Glycol-Based Configuration– Special Design Considerations
May need an external heat dump for excess heat.– When the controller stops the pump due to the storage tank
temperature set point, the system still continues to heat the glycol in the collector.
– When the glycol boils it turns acidic and sludgy, and eats away at all the copper piping and solar collector manifolds. It needs to be replaced.
– The continued heating raises the solar loop pressure and could cause leaks in the system.
New Enerworks solar thermal collectors (www.enerworks.com) have solved this issue.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Working together to reduce our impact on the land, air & water is not only the responsible thing for us to do as corporate citizens – it’s also the right thing for the future of our businesses.
Suncor CEO Rick George
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 79
"Drainback" Water-Based Configuration
In a drainback system, wateris only pumped up to the collectors when enough solarenergy is available to heat it.
Otherwise, the collectorsremain empty – such as atnight and during freezing and stagnating conditions.
1
2
3
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 80
Drainback Configuration– How is it different?
Solar loop circulates water– from storage tank to solar collectors to be heated,– then to the drainback tank,– may need to use distilled water because there are no minerals in it.
Some city water can make algae in the system in a year.
Tank loop circulates water– from drainback tank,– to the storage tank, which stores the heat for future use.
When storage tank is full of hot water, the pump stops and the water drains back to the drainback tank due to gravity.
Drainback tank:– essential for a drainback system to work,– maintains an air buffer to allow the water in the collectors and piping
to be displaced by air and drain back properly.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 81
Drainback Configuration– What does the drainback process do?
Solar collectors and piping are empty when not operating.
Provides failsafe protection against system damage due:
– overheating in the summer, – freezing in the winter, or– electrical power outages.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
Our self-interest is also the self-interest of the community & environment within which we operate.We have no choice but environmental and social responsibility. Anonymous
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 82
Drainback Configuration– Advantages
Easiest 4-season system for a do-it-yourself person to install and maintain.
Has the least maintenance of the 4-season systems.
No concerns when going away on holidays or other periods of reduced hot water requirements.
Solar collectors will last longer than in other systems.
Energy efficiency is today’s biggest global economic challenge.Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 83
It can be stopped when the storage tank is full of hot water:– without degrading the water or causing major component failures
due to collector stagnation.
– without being concerned about boiling the storage tank or causing high system temperatures and pressures in the summer when the collectors are in stagnation mode (these would otherwise cause major system component failures).
More collectors can be added to produce more heat in the winter:– without need to dissipate excess heat in the summer when it is not
required.
Drainback Configuration– Advantages
No cathedral was ever built based on its economic return. Rob DumontStewardship always involves taking the long view. Saskatchewan Research Council
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 84
Drainback Configuration– Special Design Considerations
Installation needs to be carefully done.
Drainback needs to be certain:– all piping must be sloped,– collectors must be level, and – all water must drainback into a
warmed space.
Requires a larger pump than a glycol system due to the head pressure of the water in the piping.
Companies are motivated by the self interest Joel Nodelman,of the people who make the decisions. Sustainable Development, EPCOR
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 85
Solar Water Heating System– Installation Considerations
Plan for routing the solar collector piping from the roof to the storage tank.
Be careful about any roof and wall penetrations.
Increase in roof loading – shouldn’t be a problem, but needs to be checked.
Good southern exposure. 10% shading only causes 10% loss.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
In the arena of human life the honours and rewards … fall to those who show their good qualities in action. Aristotle
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 86
Collectors – mounted horizontally on roof rack
ThermoDynamics Solar Boiler
People who are doing it…Tim Belec, Pigeon Lake
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 87
Nicely flashed into roof
People who say it cannot be done… should not interrupt those who are doing it. George Bernard Shaw
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 88
Offset from roof on a rack
If not here… If not you… If not now…then where? then who? then when?
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 89
Mounted on a metal roof
I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out Thomas Edison… before we tackle solar power. (1847-1931)
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 90
Mounted against a wall
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 91
Hung over the edge of a roof
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 92
School DHW system
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 93
Array mounting – flat roof
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 94
Array mounting – rear view
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 95
Mounted on a rack above the roof line
The right to access every building in the city by private car, in an age when Lewiseveryone possesses such a vehicle, is actually the right to destroy the city. Mumford, 1981
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 96
Mounting Location
Does not have to be mounted on a house roof.
Can be mounted on garage roofs, walls, ground.
Photo Credit: Trimline Design Centre
The true voyage of discovery begins not with new places, but with new eyes. Marcel Proust
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 97
Municipal swimming pools- indoor- outdoorCafeteriasCar washesZamboni machinesSports arenasFire stationsHotels
Best suited for places that use a lot of hot water throughout the year:
66 collectors
Okotoks, indoor town swimming pool
London Ontario Raceway, horse wash
Commercial Solar Water Heating
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 98
100 flate plate collectors
Solar Heating at the Best Western Hotel –Kelowna, BC
Change only favours minds that are diligently looking and preparing for discovery. Louis Pasteur
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 99
Commercial-Sized Solar Heat Storage Tanks
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 100
Solar Domestic Water Heating
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 101
Batch water heatersThermosyphon systems
Passive Solar Domestic Water Heating
Jamaica Greece
Vancouver
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 102
Batch Solar Water Heaters
Integrated collector / storage stankMade of a black tank in an insulated, glazed box.
Cold water first passes through the batch heater. – It heats the water part of the way to the desired temperature– The water then continues to the conventional water heater for
any additional heating.
Batch water heaters are simple and reliable.
They should not be installed in severely cold climates because the outdoor pipes could freeze in the cold weather.
Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre
If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capable of being, then I warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest of your life. Abraham Maslow
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 103
Sunwell– 3-season Solar Water Heater –
Sunwell system, Taylor Munro Energy Systems, Vancouver$200040% solar fraction (vs $6000 and 70%)Stainless steel 158 litre tank
May we begin to do good, +St. Francisfor up to now we have done very little! of Assisi
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 104
Thermosyphon system
The water flow relies on natural convection and does not requireany pump
Very simple system – no pumps, heat exchangers, controls
Not typically used in freezing climates
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 105
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
For of those to whom much is given,much is required. Luke 12:48
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 106
Operating Costs…
Operating costs:– Solar PV powered pump: $0 per year– Glycol system: $10 per year in electricity– Drainback system: $15-$20 per year in electricity
Maintenance costs:– Glycol system: $20 per year for glycol?– Drainback system: $0 per year
Going to a junkyard is a sobering experience…There you can see the ultimate destination of almost everything we desire. Roger von Oech
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 107
Costs Breakdown – Solar Domestic Water Heating2 collector system Portion
– $2100 for 2 solar collectors 33%– $1500 installation, plumbing, and electrical work 23%– $1000 pumps, piping, controls 17%– $1000 solar tank and heat exchanger 17%– $ 400 fittings, collector rack, flow meter 6%
=========~$6,000 installed price (up to $8,000) + GST
– $ 500 Government of Canada subsidy (7% of 2-collector system)
– Typically: $6000 for 1 collector system installed$7000 for 2 collector system installed, $8000 for 3 collector system installed.
It is said that 'insanity is when the inner vision of reality no longer corresponds with the external world as it really is…'
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 108
Average house uses 135 GJ per year (= $1179)
Heated air for the space in the house – called space heating(typically takes 105 GJ of natural gas = $917)
Heated water for showers, dishwashers, clothes washers –called domestic water heating (DWH) (typically 30 GJ = $262)
Optional – stove, oven, clothes dryer, BBQ, fireplace
Energy Uses in the Home – Natural Gas
Municipalities hold the key to a sustainable world in their hands. They are the perfect scale for the creation of socially and ecologically sustainable role models. Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 109$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
1
Background: Our Natural Gas Consumption
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
1
High 300 GJ
Low 35 GJ
Avg 135 GJ
High$2967 per year
Avg$1527 per year
Low$654 per year
Household Consumption
per year (Edmonton)
1 GJ = 28 litres of
gasoline
Avg 30 GJ for DWH
Annual connection fee
$348
Average DHW, $262
Charges for delivered energy
DWH
DWH
Fuel Consumption Natural Gas Bill
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 110
Evacuated Tube Compared to Flat Plate
Lots of promotion of both technologiesLots of disagreements between the promoters
Efficiency: max avg January (Ti=13°C, G=300)
– FPC Enerworks residential: 72% 32%– FPC ThermoDynamics G32: 69% 30%– FPC Zen 42L: 68% 38%– ETC Thermo Tech Mazdon 30: 53% 44%– ETC Apricus AP-22: 42% 32%
Approx. costs (for the similar collector area) (check suppliers for confirmed $ numbers)
– ETC Thermo Tech Mazdon 30: $2500 for 30 tubes– ETC Apricus AP-22: $2500 for 22 tubes– FPC Zen 42L: $2100 for 6’x8.5’ collector– FPC ThermoDynamics S32: $1000 for 4’x8’ collector
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 111
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
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80
90
0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20
(Ti-Ta)/G
Col
lect
or E
ffici
ency
(%)
-- ba
sed
on N
orth
Am
eric
an R
atin
g M
etho
d
Thermo TechTMA 600-30
Thermo DynamicsG32-P
ApricusAP-22
ZenThermic 42L
EnerworksCOL-4x8-TL-SG1-SD10US
EnerworksCOL-4X8-NL-SG1-SH10US
ThermomaxSolarmax AST30
Collector Efficiency
Ti – temperature of inlet fluid to solar collector [°C]Ta – temperature of air surrounding solar collector [°C]G – solar energy on collector surface [W/m2]
Collector efficiency reduces with colder and/or cloudier weather
Cloudier and/or colderSunnier and/or hotter
Avg January day
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 112
Ultimate Collector Performance– 2 collector residential system
$0
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
$30
$35
$40
$45
$50
$55
$60
January February March April May June July August Sept ember Oct ober November December
Thermo DynamicsG-32
ThermomaxMazdon 30 - TMA 600S
Wat er Loads Solar radiat ion
$/month
Average
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 113
Collector Performance – evacuated tube compared to flat plate
$0
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
$30
January February March April May June July August September October November December Average
Thermo DynamicsG-32
ThermomaxMazdon 30 - TMA 600S
Water Loads
$/month
37% efficient 46% efficient
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 114
Performance of Solar DHW Systems – Rules of Thumb
~$800092%15.2 GJ
84%13.9 GJ
57%9.5 GJ
Zen 28S– flat plate collector
3.
~$600079%13 GJ
68%11.2 GJ
45%7.4 GJ
Enerworks residential– flat plate collector
1.
~$8800
~$6500
2-collector system cost
98%16.1 GJ
90%14.9 GJ
61%10.1 GJ
Thermo Tech Mazdon 30:– evacuated tube collector
4.
71%11.8 GJ
2
81%13.4 GJ
3
47%7.8 GJ
Thermodynamics G32– flat plate collector
2.
1Collector brand Qty:
Solar savings for average household (%)Annual energy production (GJ)
Costs not to be taken as definitive
Anyone who challenges the prevailing orthodoxy finds himself being silenced with surprising Georgeeffectiveness. A genuinely unfashionable opinion is almost never given a fair hearing. Orwell
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 115
Solar DWH Recovery Time
0100
500
1000
Solar Radiation Intensity[W/m2]
050%Night550%+15°C, heavy overcast
5050%Super bright
10
Recovery Rate[litres per hour]
20%
Likely System
Efficiency
-15°C, sunny day
Solar Conditions
For a typical system with 2 collectors at 3m2 per collector.With cold water temperature = 5°C, hot water temperature = 55°C.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 116
Solar DW Water Heating Costs Solar DW Water Heating Costs –– Flat PlateFlat PlatePrices of Prices of delivereddelivered natural gas heat:natural gas heat:
–– 8 $/GJ to 32 $/G8 $/GJ to 32 $/GJ, rising at 7% per year (over the last 15 years)–– 10% to 25% subsidy10% to 25% subsidy ($1.20 to $2.30 /GJ, on residential bills)($1.20 to $2.30 /GJ, on residential bills)–– depends on efficiency of the heater, fluctuating North American depends on efficiency of the heater, fluctuating North American market market
prices, prices, government policies and subsidies, and cost of carbon emissions
Prices of Prices of delivereddelivered solar heatsolar heat:–– 20 $/GJ to 23 $/GJ with 0% interest rate20 $/GJ to 23 $/GJ with 0% interest rate
34 $/GJ with 6% interest rate34 $/GJ with 6% interest rate–– $500 rebate$500 rebate (8%) from Government of Canada
–– fixed price for 25 yearsfixed price for 25 years
Depending on solar and natural gas rebates, and snow cover:–– ROIROI: 5% to 6% per year–– Payback:Payback: 13 to 19 years depending on installation, and subsidies13 to 19 years depending on installation, and subsidies
Socialism collapsed because it did not allow the market to tell the economic truth. Øystein DahleCapitalism may collapse because it does not allow the market to tell the ecological truth. Exxon Norway
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 117
Emission Reductions
For a 2-collector system on a standard household:
– 66% reduction in water heating emissions
– 1000 kg of CO2 reduction per year (with partial snow cover)
– 1200 kg of CO2 reduction per year (with no snow cover)
Service to others…is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. Muhammad Ali
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 118
Background: Natural Gas Prices (Edmonton)
$0
$1
$2
$3
$4
$5
$6
$7
$8
$9
$10
$11
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
$/GJ2006: $10.27 /GJ
2007: $8.73 /GJ
It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could Elizabeth Kolbertchoose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing. New Yorker
Average increase is 7.2% per year over the last 19 years
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 119
Background: Natural Gas Connection Fees
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$450
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
$/year
2006: $320 per year
2007: $348 per year
In many ways our future is passing us by, Gary Lamphier… and our energy riches may one day look like fool's gold. Edmonton Journal
2008: $401 per year
Average increase is 5.8% per year over the last 19 years
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 120
Amount of natural gas used (kWh)
Natural Gas bill ($)
Total connection fee ($348 per year, 23% of natural gas bill)
Actual price of natural gas including purchase, delivery, taxes and GST ($8.73 /GJ) (before subsidies)
Average natural gas consumption
Average home bill: $1527 per year
135 GJ/year0$0
Apparent price of natural gas ($11.31 /GJ)
{Commodity fee $1179
Average home natural gas bill
Connection fee + commodity feeSelling gas, delivering gas, municipal access fees, GSTCommodity fee = quantity of gas purchased and delivered + municipal access fee + GSTFor a typical house, the potential savings are $1179(77% of gas bill) unless you go completely off-grid.
Electricity price of 11.17 ¢/kWh expressed in $/GJ to compare with natural gas: $31.03/GJ
Natural Gas Bill Natural Gas Bill (Edmonton)(Edmonton)
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 121
$6.18 $6.75$8.73
$11.31
$20.56
$28.55
$0
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
$30
Price ofpurchased fuel
- averaged
Price ofpurchased fuel
- prorated
Price ofdelivered fuel
Apparent priceof delivered fuel
Apparent priceof heat
Cost for air-emissions free
heat
Price of Natural Gas Heat
– from Perception to Reality…$/GJ
Presumed cost of natural gas: $834Presumed cost of fixed charges: $693
Including $/GJ
delivery fees
Including pro-rated $/month
connection fees
Including appliance efficiency
Including buying wind-
powered emission offsets
And what about the
cost of other
environ-mental
damages?
Read directly
from gas bill
Prorated over monthly consumption
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 122
Going off the Gas Grid…
Here is how to calculate when your heating bill will be less by using electricity than natural gas:
Threshold [GJ] = Annual gas connection fees [$/year]–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––(electricity heat price – natural gas heat price) [$/GJ]
Electricity heat price [$/GJ] = electricity price [¢/kWh] /100 /3.6 *1000
Natural gas heat price [$/GJ] = natural gas fuel price [$/GJ]––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
average efficiency of your home’s appliances (typically 60% for standard furnace and water heater)
For a typical house: 23 GJ = $348 / (11.17 /100 /3.6 *100 – 8.73 / 60%)= $712 annual natural gas bill= 17% of average house use now
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 123
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
The future does not belong to those who are content with today, fearful in the face Robert Kennedyof new ideas and bold projects. It will belong to those with a personal commitment. 1966
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 124
Decide why you want solar in your house
– $ savings, emission savings, peer leadership…
The solar industry is contacted by many many tyre kickers…
– This is not helpful to anyone
– If you come prepared then you will show that you are serious and so get noticed and respected
Your own solar system– getting ready
In the past 30 years, 1/3 of Earth resources have been consumed. In the next 50 Worldwide Fundyears, the population will double, & natural resources will fall by 50 - 75%/person. for Nature, 1998
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 125
Size of your solar water heating system depends on:
How much water do you use in a year?– average residential hot water usage is 225 L/day (= 40% of total water use)
(you can guess how much your water heat usage is with your 3 summer bills)
If you use less water to begin with, then the size of your solar heating system is smaller! …and way less expensive
Get your natural gas and water bills together for at least 1 year(2 years is even better).Add up all the natural gas and water that you use.
– This gives equipment suppliers a good idea of how much energy you use and so what % that their system can supply you.
Becoming Solar Ready1. How much do you need?
Rules are for the obedience of fools Douglas Bader…and the guidance of wise men. WWII pilot, Britain
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 126
Size of your solar water heating system depends on:
How much of your water heating you want to get from the sun?
How many $ per year?orWhat % of your energy? 10%, 50%, 100%, ???orHow many GJ are you wanting?
This number is a target. You don't have to have all your heating provided by solar.This is decided by knowing how much heating you are using and what is your budget – and it is a guess until you know the other figures.
Becoming Solar Ready2. How much do you want?
Economic prosperity goes hand in hand with good health and a clean environment.…These inalienable rights are also the mission of successful companies.
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 127
Becoming Solar Ready3. What is your budget?
2 solar heating collectors
4
Size of your solar water heating system depends on:
How much do you want to spend?– a solar water heating system is generally modular
and so can be sized to fit your budget– Typically people only use 1, 2, or 3 collectors
16
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 128
Size of your solar water heating system depends on:
How much energy is in the sunlightwhere you are located?
– 20% difference annually on a 6/12 roof between Fort McMurray and Lethbridge
– 20% difference in the winter on a vertical surface between Fort McMurray and Lethbridge
Becoming Solar Ready 4. Where do you live?
RETScreen spreadsheet analysis software available free from Natural Resources Canada
www.retscreen.net
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 129
Size of your solar water heating system depends on:
How clear are your solar sightlines from obstructions?
– from trees (now and in the future)– from other houses or high buildings?
Shading reduces the amount of solar heat you can produce– where are your coniferous and deciduous trees?
Becoming Solar Ready5. What are your solar sightlines?
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 130
Size of your solar water heating system is affected by:
What are your roof or wall orientations?– does your roof slope north and south?– are your walls facing south– is your back yard or your front yard facing south?– are they free from obstructions? (vents, dormers)– how much area is there?
What do you do if they are not the right orientation?
Becoming Solar Ready6. What are your roof and wall orientations?
Too many obstructions
fill up the roof
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 131
Space from mechanical room to attic– "Chase" for 2 insulated solar hot water pipes
– Make sure this is sealed to prevent air and moisture from entering the attic
Space in mechanical room– Wall area:
– 2 m2 for valves, fittings and a small tank
– Floor area:– To accommodate another water tank
about the size of your present one
Becoming Solar Ready – Preparing a new home
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 132
Your own solar system– approaching designers and suppliers
Supplier– …designs and specifies the system based on your needs and desires– Does the supplier know how to design well?– How do you evaluate their prices?
Installer– …installs the system according to the design of the supplier– Does the installer know how to install well?– How do you evaluate their prices?– Plumbers can install a solar heating system– You can install it yourself???
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 133
Look at the Eco-Solar Products and Services list for suppliers
Contact 3 suppliers– Look at web sites to see what they supply. – Ask for 3 references to make sure they know what they are
speaking about.
Make sure they are members of the solar industry association:– Canadian Solar Industries Association (www.cansia.ca)
– This helps ensure that they have good relationships with their peers, and so are wanting to be in business for a long time.
Your own solar system– approaching designers and suppliers
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 134
Give the supplier some photos of your house, showing:– the view of the front yard from the south,
showing the general house and trees,
– the roof and walls, showing obstructions, slopes, and shapes
– the view to the south from the house, showing trees and other buildings
– the furnace room to show them an idea of how much space there is on the floor and walls available for equipment
Your own solar system– approaching designers and suppliers
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 135
Your own solar system– approaching designers and suppliers
Good suppliers know how to design and size your system, not just supply you with some parts!
– Ask lots of questions to make sure they know what they are talking about.
– Do they have a system package for you (rather than bits and pieces)?
– Do they have professional brochures of their equipment?(this shows they are serious about their products)
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 136
Your own solar system– approaching designers and suppliers
Good suppliers:
– Do they have a list of all the parts that are neededso you get an idea of how organised they are, so you see what may be missing and that you still need to organiseon your own?
– Do they have a relationship with qualified installers with whom they have worked before?
You don't want to go out and try and find one on your own!Suppliers don't necessarily make good installers!
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 137
Be aware when getting price quotes for systems:– Is it a firm quote or an estimate that they can change?
– Are they interested in talking with you about your energy needsor just selling you a system?
– Make sure they indicate how many GJ their system will supply!!!Calculate their system price in $ per annual GJ supplied.
– Look at product delivery times, warranties, ask about service call-back promises, how close are they to you…
– Ask them what makes them better compared to others.Don't let them put down their competitors, just ask them to make themselves look good.
Go with confidence… contact me if you have any Q.
Your own solar system– how to buy
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 138
Questions…?
Course Contents1. Introduction to course2. Context to solar heating3. Energy, solar energy – the resources, the technology,
how it works4. Mounting angles5. Solar equipment, components6. Operating configurations, installation locations7. Costs, economics, rules of thumb sizing8. Local examples of solar DW heating systems9. Getting your own solar DW heating system, how to find
contractors, how to buy10. How about solar space heating?
Next
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 139
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800 Natural gas consumption [MJ/day]
Solar radiation - 27° [MJ/m2/day]at 35% efficiency
Solar radiation - vertical surface [MJ/m2/day] at35% efficiency
Gas Consumption MJ/d
Incoming Incoming Solar Solar EnergyEnergycompared to compared to
House Heating NeedsHouse Heating NeedsSolar Energy MJ/m2/d
We consume 7 times more natural gas in January than July. Daily min/max ratio is much more.
We get 1.7 times more solar energy on a vertical surface in March than in June! Daily ratio is much more!
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 140
Solar Solar Energy ValueEnergy Valuecompared to compared to
House Heating House Heating CostsCosts
$0.0
$0.5
$1.0
$1.5
$2.0
$2.5
$3.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
Gas purchase cost [$per month]
Solar energy's value indisplacing natural gasat 90° tilt [$ per monthfor 1 m2]
# of solar collectors needed (using monthly averages, each collector: 3m2):
47 31 29 26 18 2 1 3 10 15 35 47
These numbers are approximate and are NOT to be used for the purposes of design and sizing of a solar heating system. They are intended to be used to illustrate the importance of energy efficiency.
Gas Cost $/month
Solar Energy Displacement Value $/m2/month
Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 141
Amount of energy in sunshine in Edmonton is 5.9 GJ/m2.year.Typical home in Edmonton uses
– 135 GJ of natural gas, – = approx. 105 GJ for space heating + 30 GJ for water heating.– This house would need 58 solar collectors to heat it 100% in the
winter, at an installed cost of some $120,000. At 3 m2 each, the collectors would take up a roof area of 170 m2, bigger than the house!
In contrast, an example R-2000 home might use 48 GJ for space heating + 20 GJ for water heating.
– This house would need 18 solar collectors to heat it 100% in thewinter, at an installed cost of $40,000. (54 m2 of house roof area)
Solar Space HeatingSolar Space Heatingon Standard Homeon Standard Home
These numbers are approximate and are NOT to be used for the purposes of design and sizing of a solar heating system. They are intended to be used to illustrate the importance of energy efficiency.
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Solar & Energy Efficiency– How do they relate?
No energy efficiency…?Large use of heat…
less expensive solar energy
system
Then you don't need nearly as much
heat energy…
large solar energy system
large amount of heat storage
less expensive heat storage
When employing energy efficiency…
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The most important thing to start with!
The cheapest energy you will ever find!!
#1. Start with an energy audit! It is a roadmap to the energy use in your home. From this map, then you can make the decisions that are important to you.
ATCO: www.atcoenergysense.com $225VerdaTech: www.energyexperts.ca $300
Heating Energy Efficiency
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20%Reduction in an average household natural gas bill
4.03 $/GJ
$324/year savings
6% return on purchase
15 year cost payback
Cost of energy efficiency high efficiency gas furnace (92% efficient)Replacing a standard efficiency (62% efficient)
10.27 $/GJCost of natural gas in Edmonton (including delivery and taxes) in 2006. This is 35% of the cost of electricity.
The Cost of Energy Efficiency - Furnaces -
Natural gas energy efficiency is a secure investment.
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Rob Dumont's Home, Saskatoon
"The best insulated house in the world"
Solar space heating collectors
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Factor 9 Home - Regina
Solar space heating collectorswww.factor9.ca
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Riverdale NetZero Energy Homeduplex1844 ft2 per side3 bedroomssouth-facing
R-56 wallsR-100 ceiling
R-24 basement floor6.6 kW at -32°C
Passive solar for space heating– all windows
Active solar heating system for water and space heating-21 m2, vertical, 17000 litre main storage
Solar PV system for electricity – 33 m2, 5.6 kW, 53°tilt
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12 kW electrictop-up water heater
17,000 litrewater-filled solar heat storage
tank
Solar Pump
8w
7w
6w5w
1s
2sDrain water heat recovery unit
Household hot water loads
Solar thermal collectorsQty: 7 Brand: Conergy from BelgiumGross area: 3.1 m2 each, 21 m2 total
WaterMains
Heat exchanger4s
3s
9w
Household water heating(This shows concept.
Actual design is slightly modified.)
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12 kW electrictop-up water heater
17,000 litrewater-filled solar heat storage
tank
Solar Pump
10f
6h
5h
Fan-coil
pump
Fan-coil
12a
14a
Coolreturn air
from house
Heated supply air to house
Home heating(This shows concept.
Actual design is slightly modified.)
Solar thermal collectors
1s
2s
4s
3s
7h9f
11f
13a
8h
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Solar assist heat pump
(This shows concept.Actual design is
slightly modified.)
Very small, ¾ T capacity (like a large fridge)
Makes the solar collectors more efficient in winter- cools storage tank faster
Allows more heat to be drawn from the solar tank- about 600 kWh
Provides cooling in the summer, if needed
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Riverdale NetZero heating
system schematic
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Riverdale NetZero solar heating
system plumbing
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Questions???Questions???
What haven't I covered for you?
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…we hold the future in our hands
But will our children want to live in what we are giving to them?
Gordon Howell, P.Eng.Howell-Mayhew Engineering
EdmontonPhone: +1 780 484 0476E-mail: [email protected]
©1995-2008Photo credits: Gordon Howell and several others
Emerald Award 2002
Love does not dominate Johann…it cultivates. Goethe