Life Cycle Assessment of Thermosyphon and PV Hot Water Systems Under the Same Operating Conditions in a Side-by-Side Experimental Setup in Namibia: Initial Results and Data Comparison with Existing Similar Installations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52825/isec.v1i.1219Keywords:
Solar Hot Water Systems, Eco-Performance, Life Cycle AssessmentAbstract
The global demand for hot water is increasing, driving a shift towards solar technologies. Namibia, aligning with emission reduction goals, plans to replace electric boilers with solar thermal and PV2Heat systems, emphasizing cost efficiency. This study focuses on providing eco-performance data for solar hot water systems, specifically thermosiphon and PV systems. Three systems in a container at the NUST Science and Technology Park are being compared, with commissioning scheduled for 2024. Preliminary eco-performance data will be derived from initial monitoring, followed by a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA). The study envisions a straightforward process in generating input data for the LCA, including performance data. Determining the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for economic comparison is a key aspect. While leveraging existing data from previous works, it acknowledges the limitations in estimating expected eco-performance indicators. The study aims for a direct LCA and eco-performance comparison between solar thermal and photovoltaic-based systems, contributing to Namibia's sustainable energy strategy.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Harald Kicker, Gernot M. Wallner, Daniel Tschopp, Rudi Moschik, Wolfgang Gruber-Glatzl, Joseph Shigwedha, Helvi Ileka, Fenni Shidhika
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
