Geyser pump solar water heater system modeling design optimization

Qi Zhang, Susan W. Stewart, Jeffrey R.S. Brownson, Lucas T. Witmer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Solar thermal water heating systems reduce household energy bills by using the free solar radiation provided by the sun to heat water for residential needs. In order to eliminate the need for electricity to run a pump to drive the fluid circulation in these systems, fluid buoyancy effects can be employed to move the fluid from lower elevations to higher elevations. There are several operational challenges with conventional "thermosyphon" systems, such as reversing flow and overheating, which can all be addressed by using a geyser pump mechanism. Although the solar thermal geyser pump water heating system has been on the market, little research has been done on the optimization of the system to improve its efficiency. Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and the Transient System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS) were used to implement a mathematical model for the geyser pump system operation under transient weather conditions. The model allows for parametric studies of the design attributes to investigate optimum efficiency conditions for the thermally driven pump.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference
Pages613-620
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2012
EventWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: May 13 2012May 17 2012

Publication series

NameWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conferen
Volume1

Other

OtherWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period5/13/125/17/12

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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