Analysis on size of storage tank in solar space heating system

The correlation between the size of solar collector and storage tank is a key question in the design of solar space heating system. In this study, a model of solar water heating system based on hourly energy flow is established. Based on this model, the combined effects of collector area and storage volume on the system thermal performance and economy is analyzed, and a simple procedure for determining the optimal system size is illustrated. Study showed that the optimum ratio between storage volume and collector area increases as the total collector area increases, and the heat loss of the storage tank increases accordingly. Therefore, a trade-off between heat collection and heat loss has to be made by correlating storage volume and collector area reasonably to guaranty operation safety and economy of solar water heating system. © 2020, Solar Energy Periodical Office Co., Ltd. All right reserved.