Solar Domestic Water Heating The Basics

Transcription

1 Solar Domestic Water Heating The Basics Gordon Howell, P.Eng. Edmonton Phone: Alternative Energy Trade Fair Peace River 2008 November 15, 16 (download this presentation from Solar Energy Project Development Specialists

2 Intro: My Goals To empower you to get ready for the energy and environmental issues coming upon us To help you understand how solar heating can be used to heat your household hot water To help you take next steps in using solar water heating to reduce your natural gas bills, to reduce your environmental footprint, to increase your energy security, to leave a legacy so you can look your grandkids in the eye! We have done a lot of research for you and have assembled it into one place. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 2

3 Intro: Me! I am a solar system project developer I am not an equipment supplier I have no vested interest in any technology My interest is that you choose wisely with your eyes wide open based on the facts and whether it is right for you or not. The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi but not every man's greed. (Mahatma) India Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 3

4 Intro: What the Presentation Does Gives you familiarity with words, concepts, components, and costs Solar domestic water heating system Edmonton Gives you space to ask questions and get answers right away Helps you understand how to get started I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on men unless they act. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 4 +G.K. Chesterson

5 Solar Energy where can it be used Anything that uses electricity Space heating Water heating for domestic water, pools Industrial and commercial process heating Cooking Okotoks swimming pool solar heating Daytime illumination Riverdale NetZero energy home, Solar Energy Project Edmonton Development Specialists 5

6 Solar Heating for Residential Domestic Water Aurum Lodge, near Nordegg, 2004 Mary-Anne Rice home, Edmonton, 2007 Tim Belec home, Pigeon Lake, 2007 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 6

7 Context: Energy Efficiency vs. Adding Energy Solar energy option: Does NOT reduce your energy consumption! Instead it substitutes your energy source from fossil fuels over to the sun Energy efficiency option: This is the cheapest, most important and shortest payback option But it is emotionally boring Solar energy has much higher costs and longer paybacks than energy efficiency It is exciting and something you can brag about to your friends Socialism collapsed because it did not allow the market to tell the economic truth. Øystein Dahle Capitalism may collapse because it does not allow the market to tell the ecological truth. Exxon Norway Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 7

8 Context: Why Use Solar Heat? Utility Costs Reduce heating bills you pay for solar energy up front Reduce vulnerability to up and down natural gas prices Environmental Footprint Reduce how much air pollution you cause from burning natural gas Increase the reserve of natural gas you leave for the next generation Political will arises from personal momentum We need to be the leaders to our governments and corporations. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 8

9 Context: Why Use Solar Heat? Social Opportunity Provide the leadership that we need Encourage the government to facilitate it instead of blocking it Business Opportunity Serve the growing public interest Serve the multi-billion $ world markets The superior man seeks what is right; the inferior one, what is profitable. Confucius Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 9

10 Context: Benefits of Solar Energy Proven technology thousands of systems across Canada Can provide energy security and independence Inflation-proof Political-proof No noise No emissions Low or zero maintenance and operating costs Extends the lifetime of our dwindling natural gas resources Nature does provide us with a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites. William Ruckelshaus Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 10

11 Context: Challenges with Solar Heating Purchase costs are high Not a well developed supply or installation chain Not a lot of broad-based experience in Canada Has to compete with highly subsidized natural gas Little interest by governments in developing policies and programmes that facilitate it (Saskatchewan and Medicine Hat now have an incentive programmes) Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Benjamin Franklin Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 11

12 Other Countries Tens of thousands of new solar water heaters are installed worldwide each year. In Austria one out of every seven homes now use solar water heating. Spain legally requires solar hot water systems in all new buildings. Some 80% of solar water heating systems are manufactured and installed in China. Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 12 Muhammad Ali

13 Questions??? Next: Solar Systems and Components Until there is awareness there will be no consensus to change. Martin Luther King Jr. America Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 13

14 Solar heating and Alternative Energy Trade Fair solar electricity are NOT the same Solar heating A dark surface sitting in the sunshine Water or air runs past the solar heated surface carrying heat to the building. Solar electricity A semiconductor device like a computer chip Photons bump electrons out of an atom. Wires carry the electrons away. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 14

15 What words do we use? Solar panels Solar heating thermal collectors Solar electricity photovoltaic modules Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 15

16 Solar Domestic Water Heating System - Concept Collectors Sunlight and its energy Piping, pumps, valves, control, flow meter Storage tank, heat exchangers Hot water usage Cold water source Trimline Design Centre Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 16

17 Solar Water Heating Collectors Unglazed flat-plate collector primarily used in outdoor pool heating Glazed flat-plate collector commercial, industrial, residential most common Enerworks Evacuated tube collector high-temperature process heating Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 17

18 Glazed Flat Plate Collectors Frame Protects the collector Fluid circuit Harnesses heat from absorber Absorber Converts sunlight into heat Insulation Reduces heat losses Glazing Lets light in, reduces heat loss, like a greenhouse You must skate to where the puck is going not to where it is now. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 18 Wayne Gretzky

19 Glazed Flat Plate Collectors Contains frame, window, absorber, piping, brackets, insulation, gaskets, screws Made of glass or polymers, aluminum, steel, copper, fiberglass or isocyanurate, EPDM Typically for residential and commercial applications Solar Energy Project Development Photo Credit: Specialists Trimline Design Centre 19

20 Glazed Flat Plate Collectors Application Used for domestic water or space heating, pools Advantages Very low or zero maintenance costs Very low operating costs Permanent installation withstands the environment Drawbacks Less efficient than an evacuated tube in extreme cold weather Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre Historians talk about the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age. Before too long the Petroleum Age will also be over. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 20

21 Heat Storage Tank Pump controller Storage tank with heat exchanger inside Solar circulation pump Often also has a drainback reservoir and a flow meter Let us put our minds together and see what kind of life we can make for our children. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 21 Sitting Bull

22 Major Components Solar collectors ($1000 each) Solar controller (one type) Piping connections Heat exchanger Pre-heat water tank Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 22

23 System Operation Controller Turns on Pump In this example,, a solar pump is located on top of the heat exchanger; The controller sends a signal to the pump to turn on Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 23

24 System Operation Liquid is Circulated Glycol (anti-freeze freeze) is then circulated between the heat exchanger and the solar collectors Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 24

25 System Operation Liquid is Heated Within the collectors,, the glycol absorbs the solar heat The collected solar heat circulates back to the heat exchanger 1 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 25

26 System Operation Heat is Transferred Cold water is circulated between the solar tank and the heat exchanger The heat exchanger transfers the solar heat into the water 1 The heated water returns back into the solar tank. 2 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 26

27 System Operation Hot Water is Stored The heat collection process operates over the whole day The solar tank water heats up throughout the day Until the whole solar tank is filled with hot water! 1 2 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 27

28 System Operation Delivered to You When hot water is drawn off for usage Solar heated water flows into the gas or electric booster tank 1 And cold water from the city is drawn into the solar tank 2 3 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 28

29 Glycol System Advantages Immune to freezing. Can run piping without concern for level or plumb. Easy for the do-it-yourself person to install. Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre We are consuming the resources of our planet at such a rate that we are, in effect, living off credit and living on borrowed time. Prince Charles of Windsor Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 29

30 "Drainback" System Configuration In a drainback system, water is only pumped up to the collectors when enough solar energy is available to heat it. Otherwise, the collectors remain empty Live so our forefathers would be proud, and our children will be thankful. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 30

31 Drainback System Advantages Easiest for a do-it-yourself person to install and maintain. Has the least maintenance. No concerns when going away on holidays or other periods of reduced hot water requirements. Provides failsafe protection against system damage due: overheating in the summer, freezing in the winter, or electrical power outages. As nearly every study shows, Maximizing Environmental Benefits and Market Returns companies with better environmental performance World Wildlife Fund consistently achieve superior financial and stock market performance. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 31

32 Installation Considerations Plan for routing the solar collector piping from the roof to the storage tank. Be careful about any roof and wall penetrations. Increase in roof loading shouldn t be a problem, but needs to be checked Good southern exposure is best. Text Credit: Trimline Design Centre For of those to whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 32

33 Optimum Annual Tilt Angle Horizontal Peace River Vertical % of energy from optimum annual tilt angle 0% -5% -10% -15% -20% -25% -30% sun-hours/day = kwh/m2/day Snow cover? Reflection from snow fields? The maximum annual solar energy production occurs at around a 51 tilt. If your goal is to maximise this, your tilt angle can be from 20 to 80 and still be within 10% of the maximum. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 33

34 Optimum Winter Tilt Angle Horizontal Peace River Vertical % of energy from optimum winter tilt angle 0% -10% -20% -30% -40% -50% -60% -70% -80% Sun-hours/day 1.0 The maximum winter solar energy production occurs at an 81 tilt. If your goal is to optimise this, your tilt angle can be from 52 to 90 and still be within 10% of the maximum. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 34

35 Optimum Winter Orientation Angle Peace River % of energy from optimum winter orientation angle 0% -5% -10% -15% -20% -25% -30% -35% Sun-hours/day SW SSW South SSE SE If the goal is to optimise the wintertime solar energy production, you can orient the roof or wall 28 either side of south and still be within 10% of the maximum, which is at due south. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 35

36 Tim Belec, Pigeon Lake Collectors mounted horizontally on roof rack ThermoDynamics Solar Boiler Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 36

37 Mounted on a metal roof If we are going to throw anything out, let it be the concept of garbage. The Otesha Project Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 37

38 Mounted on a rack above the roof line I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! Thomas Edison I hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that. ( ) Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 38

39 Mounted against a wall Economic prosperity goes hand in hand with good health and a clean environment. These inalienable rights are also the mission of successful companies. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 39

40 Mounting Location Think outside of the box Does not have to be mounted on a house roof. Can be mounted on garage roofs, walls, ground. Photo Credit: Trimline Design Centre Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 40

41 Questions? Next: Solar system performance and savings Every great movement must experience three stages: ridicule, discussion, adoption. John Stuart Mill Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 41

42 Background: Our Natural Gas Consumption High 300 GJ Avg 30 GJ for DWH Household Consumption per year (Edmonton) 1 GJ = 28 litres of gasoline Avg 135 GJ Low 35 GJ $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 Delivered energy consumption Average charges DHW, $262 DWH $1,000 $500 High $2967 per year Avg $1527 per year Low $654 per year 0 DWH 1 $0 $348 Annual connection fee Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 42 1

43 Background: Natural Gas Prices (Edmonton) $/GJ $ : $10.27 /GJ $10 $9 $8 $7 $6 2007: $8.73 /GJ $5 $4 $3 $2 $1 $ It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could Elizabeth Kolbert choose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing. New Yorker Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 43

44 Background: Natural Gas Connection Fees $/year $400 $350 $ : $348 per year 2006: $320 per year $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $ In many ways our future is passing us by, and our energy riches may one day look like fool's gold. Gary Lamphier Edmonton Journal Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 44

45 Performance Rules of Thumb Solar savings (%) Annual energy production (GJ) Collector brand Qty: collector system cost 1. Thermodynamics G32 flat plate 44% 7.8 GJ 66% 11.7 GJ 75% 13.4 GJ ~$ Thermo Tech Mazdon 30 evacuated tube 56% 10 GJ 83% 14.7 GJ 90% 16 GJ ~$8800 Costs not to be taken as definitive Not including Government of Canada rebate of $500 The sustainability of our business depends on the sustainability of our planet, and its people. Mountain Equipment Co-Op Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 45

46 Cost Breakdown Q2 2 collector system typical pricing and cost breakdown Portion $2100 for 2 solar collectors 33% $1500 installation, plumbing, and electrical work 23% $1000 pumps, piping, controls 17% $1000 solar tank and heat exchanger 17% $400 fittings, collector rack, flow meter 6% ========= ~$6,000 installed price (up to $8,000) + GST $500 Government of Canada rebate 8% Our planet is dying and we have no right to destroy the ecosystem. Vanessa Redgrave Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 46

47 Operating Costs Operating costs: Solar PV powered pump: $0 per year Glycol system: $10 per year in electricity Drainback system: $15-$20 per year in electricity Maintenance costs: Glycol system: $20 per year for glycol? Drainback system: $0 per year Going to a junkyard is a sobering experience There you can see the ultimate destination of almost everything we desire. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 47 Roger von Oech

48 System Economics Price of delivered natural gas heat: 8 $/GJ to 32 $/GJ, volatile and rising at 9% per year 10% to 25% rebate ($1.20 to $2.30 /GJ, on residential bills) depends on efficiency of the heater, fluctuating North American market, government policies and subsidies, and cost of carbon emissions Prices of delivered solar heat: 20 $/GJ to 23 $/GJ with 0% interest rate 34 $/GJ with 6% interest rate $500 rebate (8%) from Government of Canada fixed price for 25 years Depending on solar and natural gas rebates, and snow cover: ROI: 5% to 6% per year Payback: 16 to 19 years Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 48

49 Emission Reductions For a 2-collector system on a standard household: 66% reduction in water heating emissions 1000 kg of CO 2 reduction per year (with partial snow cover) 1200 kg of CO 2 reduction per year (with no snow cover) In pushing other species to extinction, humanity is busy sawing off the limb on which it is perched. Prof. Paul Ehrlich Stanford University Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 49

50 The Economics of Energy Efficient Furnaces Cost of natural gas in Edmonton (including delivery and taxes) in This is 29% of the cost of electricity. Cost of furnace energy efficiency already better than the price of natural gas! high efficiency gas furnace (92% efficient) Replacing a standard efficiency (62% efficient) 8.73 $/GJ 3.50 $/GJ $449/year savings 14% return on purchase (equivalent to 20% bank interest rate) 7 year cost payback Reduction in an average household natural gas bill 31% Natural gas energy efficiency is a secure investment. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 50

51 Questions??? Next: Getting your own system The future does not belong to those who are content with today, fearful in the face Robert Kennedy of new ideas and bold projects. It will belong to those with a personal commitment Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 51

52 Your own solar system? Decide why you want solar in your house $ savings, emission savings, peer leadership The solar industry is contacted by many many tyre kickers... This is not helpful to anyone If you come prepared then you will show that you are serious and so get noticed and respected In the past 30 years, 1/3 of Earth resources have been consumed. In the next 50 Worldwide Fund years, the population will double, & natural resources will fall by 50-75%/person. for Nature, 1998 Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 52

53 Your own solar system How much energy do you need? Size of your solar water heating system depends on: How much water do you use in a year? average residential hot water usage is 225 L/day (= 40% of total water use) If you use less water to begin with, then the size of your solar heating system is smaller! and way less expensive Get your natural gas and water bills together for at least 1 year (2 years is even better). Add up all the natural gas and water that you use. gives equipment suppliers a good idea of how much energy you use Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to when all they need is one reason why they can. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 53

54 Your own solar system Taking photos Give the supplier some photos of your house, showing: the view of the front yard from the south, showing the general house and trees, the roof and walls, showing obstructions, slopes, and shapes the view to the south from the house, showing trees and other buildings the furnace room to show them an idea of how much space there is on the floor and walls available for equipment Climate change: The costs of doing nothing are getting higher every day. Gordon Campbell BC Premier Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 54

55 Your own solar system Finding suppliers Look at the Eco-Solar Products and Services list for suppliers (can be ed to you) Contact 3 suppliers A few in the Yellow Pages Look at web sites to see what they supply. Ask for 3 references and check them out, to make sure they know what they are speaking about. Make sure they are members of the solar industry association: Canadian Solar Industries Association ( This helps ensure that they have good relationships with their peers, and so are wanting to be in business for a long time. Anyone who thinks they are too small to make a difference has never spent the night with a mosquito. African Proverb Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 55

56 Your own solar system Evaluating suppliers /1 Good suppliers know how to design and size your system, not just supply you with some parts! Ask lots of questions to make sure they know what they are talking about. Do they have a system package for you (rather than bits and pieces)? Do they have professional brochures of their equipment? (this shows they are serious about their products) FAST GOOD CHEAP you are only allowed to choose two of them! Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 56

57 Your own solar system Evaluating suppliers /2 Good suppliers: Do they have a list of all the parts that are needed so you get an idea of how organised they are, so you see what may be missing and that you still need to organise on your own? Do they have a relationship with qualified installers with whom they have worked before? You don't want to go out and try and find one on your own! Suppliers don't necessarily make good installers! The pristine world we envision for all of our tomorrows is built on our decisions today. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 57

58 Your own solar system Evaluating quotes Is it a firm quote or an estimate that they can change? Are they interested in talking with you about your energy needs or just selling you a system? Do they consider efficiency to be the first and most important part of your energy needs? Make sure they tell you how many GJ of heat per year their system will produce on your own house To compare with others, calculate their system price in $ per annual GJ produced. Look at product delivery times, warranties, ask about service call-back promises, how close are they to you Ask them what makes them better compared to others. Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 58

59 It's our turn now It's our choice our wallet our community and children and the planet await us If not here then where? If not you then who? If not now then when? Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 59

60 we hold the future in our hands But will our children want to live in what we are giving to them? Download this presentation and others from Gordon Howell, P.Eng. Howell-Mayhew Engineering Edmonton Phone: Photo credits: Gordon Howell and several others Solar Energy Project Development Specialists 60