Smart solar tank

The aim of the project is to show that small SDHW systems can have improved cost/performance ratio if a smart solar tank is used as the heat storage. A smart solar tank is a small tank with an external pipe loop from the bottom to the top of the tank. Heat is supplied to the pipe loop by the auxiliary energy supply system. This heat is transferred to the top of the tank by means of the fluid in the pipe loop. The operation of the auxiliary energy supply system is controlled by the hot water demand, the consumption pattern, the energy content and the thermal stratification in the top of the tank.
Two differently designed smart solar tanks will be tested in a heat storage test facility. Mathematical models which simulate the thermal behaviour of the tanks, will be developed. The models will be validated by means of the tests. Based on the investigations improved designed smart solar tanks will be developed and built into two small SDHW test systems which will be tested in a laboratory test facility and in practice. Measurements and experience from the systems will elucidate the suitability of the different smart solar tanks.