A techno-economic design framework and analysis for active solar heating systems in cold climates: A case study in Russia

In this article, The viability of installing solar heating systems in Russia, in Ashukino, an urban locality (urban-type settlement) in Pushkinsky District of Moscow, is evaluated. Utilizing T*SOL software, the study examined a distinct solar collector system based on SK YaSolar and compared it with Apricus, Eraslan, and Thermital collectors. The SK YaSolar systems were selected based on their size, type of collector (flat plate or evacuated tube), and collector closed loop. Additionally, the effects of changing the hot water storage tank’s dimensions were examined. The goal is to find an techno-economical solution for a logical design that minimizes CO₂ emissions, lowers initial and ongoing costs, and maximizes energy efficiency. According to the analysis findings, for the case study, the electrical energy from solar for heating usage is 1029 kWh, of which 1024 kWh for a 500-liter domestic water tank and 5 kWh for 44-liter buffer tank and heating the space. To achieve long-term operational stability, the operational feasibility using the quantitative and qualitative data outputs of four collector systems, both closed-loop ETC and FPC, was done. Based on analyses, it was discovered that the larger gross surface and aperture area play an important role in meeting increasing energy demand; however, for smaller spaces with smaller water storage tanks, smaller collectors are more suitable, but small tanks, because they have higher standby losses per unit volume and reaches its maximum temperature faster, shutting off the collector, potentially does not allow the tank buffer to heat up and hence collects less solar energy. Based on findings from the geographical sensitivity analysis for various regions with different exposure level of solar radiation received in Russia, it is projected that from 0.002 to 0.069 million Ton of CO₂ emissions can be averted annually. So, solar heating systems provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solution by doing away with the requirement for an electrical water heater and saving a significant amount of energy.