HP-LP-SOLAR-FACADE

A Novel Heat Pump Assisted Solar Façade Loop Heat Pipe Water Heating System

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The proposed research aims to develop a novel solar façade water heating system involving several technical initiatives, i.e., unique loop heat pipe structure, integrated façade and heat pipe configuration, and heat pump assisted low temperature heat pipe operation. These initiatives will have potential overcoming the difficulties associated with existing solar water heating systems, i.e., unpleasant architectural view due to use of the roof space, hazard of piping freezing due to indoor-to-outdoor water transporting, separate layout of the heat absorbing pipes and façade, and low solar efficiency. This will generate a façade integrated, highly efficient and aesthetically appealing solar water heating system. Specific objectives of the project are:

1. Designing a conceptual module of the proposed solar façade water heating system 2. Developing a computer model to optimise the configuration of the system and predict its thermal performance. 3. Constructing and testing a prototype solar façade system in laboratory. 4. Carrying out economic, environmental and regional acceptance analyses.

The programme will integrate Dr Wei He, the selected incoming fellow from China, into Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development at De Montfort University. The process will result in knowledge transfer from the incoming researcher to European host which will further extend to whole Europe, in terms of advanced solar system design, computer modelling, experiment and economic and environmental analyses. It will benefit to Europe host in terms of new technology development, enhanced research capacity, and strengthen international/industrial cooperation.

Results of the research will contribute to establish European excellence and competitiveness in solar heating technology, and thus help achieve EU’s goals to promotes use of renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel consumption and cut carbon emission. Deployment of the technology will help enhance EU’s economy and industrial competit'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Solar water heaters may soon disappear from rooftops to be replaced by nearly invisible ones integrated into balcony facades. The EU-funded technology is also less expensive compared to conventional systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Solar energy is about as renewable as it gets. For millions of years to come, the Sun will continue providing heat and light that can be harnessed to meet the energy demands of human activities. Although solar water heaters have become more common in recent years, it is time for modernisation and enhanced efficiency to achieve significant market penetration.

Updating the architecture while improving efficiency was the goal of the EU-funded project 'A novel heat pump assisted solar facade loop heat pipe water heating system' (HP-LP-SOLAR-FACADE). The target was maintenance of water at 40 to 55 degrees Celsius for general domestic use.

Scientists developed a module that minimises the length of piping, enabling creation of a modern wall or balcony facade with integrated heat-absorbing pipes that are part of the loop heat pipe. The HP-LP-SOLAR-FACADE technology consists of outdoor and indoor parts connected by conduits to transport the heat-transfer fluid.

Researchers developed a computer model to enable optimisation of parameters and prediction of performance under a variety of operating conditions. It will be equally useful in future studies.

The technology provides a modernised version of the solar water heater. Integrated into a wall or balcony facade, it eliminates the external piping and bulk, resulting in a less expensive and more aesthetically pleasing design. Sunny southern European climates such as that of Madrid stand to benefit most in terms of both cost and performance.

HP-LP-SOLAR-FACADE makes an important contribution to the EU's renewable energy agenda while helping place it at the forefront of solar heating technology. Thus, the project has strengthened Europe's competitive position in a market poised for important growth.