Monitoring and Evaluation of Thermosyphon and PV Hot Water Systems Under the Same Operating Conditions in a Side-By-Side Experimental Setup

Abstract

Renewable heating and cooling are the primary focus of the Southern African Renewable Heating and Cooling Training and Demonstration Initiative in creating capacity pertaining to this subject. This emphasis is aligned with the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda, which seeks for carbon-neutrality by the year 2030. To address thermal needs on small-scale, thermosiphons systems using evacuated tube collectors, flat-plate collectors, and photovoltaic to heat systems are frequently used. For a scale-up application of these technologies, and for accelerated achievement of carbon-neutrality, a cost-effective technology must be prioritised in various areas of the world with different meteorological conditions. This study therefore intends to establish the technical performance and the cost-effectiveness of these technologies in Namibia’s environment whilst replicating a small-scale house daily hot water demand.