Performance Evaluation of a Refrigerant-Charged Thermosyphon Solar DHW System

摘要

Refrigerant-charged passive solar domestic hot water (SDHW) systems, which have recently become commercially available, are generating great interest in the solar community. These systems, which can be installed even in freezing climates, may achieve the high performance and reliability of direct thermosyphon systems. The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) is testing and analyzing a promixing prototype refrigerant-charged thermosyphon system; SERI also plans to evaluate a commercially available system. The prototype was installed in a single-family residence using a stabilized R-11 as the heat transfer fluid. A system analysis was performed based on measured data. The analysis method and preliminary results, which indicate that there is reason to be optimistic about this type of system are discussed. (ERA citation 06:018367)