Parametric study of thermal performance integral collector-storage solar water heaters

摘要

Integral collector-storage (ICS) solar water heaters are passive systems that, due to their relative simplicity (e.g., lack of pumps and controlelrs), have potential advantages compared to active solar water heating systems. However, current ICS systems are material-intensive due to designs that need to contain potable water and withstand city water pressure. Efforts are underway, with U.S. Department of Energy funding to industry partners, to develop lower-cost ICS systems based on polymer materials.