Optimization and design of solar water heating system for Dar Ghadames Hotel

Abstract

In this study, the solar water heating system for Dar Ghadames Hotel was optimized using the f-chart method to convert solar energy into hot water to meet the hotel's demand. The optimal collector area was determined under the local climatic conditions of Ghadames. A flat plate collector was selected for this project after comparing the advantages and disadvantages of other types of collectors.

Solar radiation data was collected through the National Meteorological Centre in Tripoli and utilized to calculate the monthly average solar radiation outside the atmosphere and the monthly average solar radiation inside the atmosphere on a horizontal surface. The study analyzed the monthly average solar radiation inside the atmosphere at different tilted surface angles and selected the optimal tilt angle to achieve the suitable annual solar energy rate. Based on this, the hotel's hot water consumption rate was estimated, and the amount of solar energy required to meet the hotel’s load was calculated. Then, using the f-chart method, the optimal collector area was determined to cover the maximum possible load throughout the year.