In–Situ Measurements of the Performance of ermosyphon Solar Water Heating Systems in Libya

Abstract

This paper reports on a project carried out by the Centre for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS) to familiarise Libyan people with solar water heating technologies. Around 100 solar water heaters have been installed in the domestic sector and selected systems were equipped with monitoring instruments required to evaluate thermal performance. The paper presents the results of data collected over a one year period from a system installed in a family residence situated in a village located 90 km south of Tripoli
(Libyan capital). The results showed that the system solar fraction was 55.8% of the average amount of daily hot water withdrawn (144 litres) at an average withdrawal temperature of 46.6 °C. T e total energy withdrawn during the whole year was 1557 kWh. It is concluded that such a system is not adequate in terms of cost-effectiveness for the current installed situation. It is recommended that the annual solar fraction for any solar water heating system should be over 70% in order to achieve cost-effectiveness and to help widespread take-up of this technology.