Harnessing solar energy for building heating : a case study from Urumqi city, China | |
| Author | Aishajiang, Nafeisha |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.SE-24-03 |
| Subject(s) | Solar energy--China Renewable energy sources--China Sustainable buildings--China Buildings--Energy conservation--China |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Sustainable Energy Transition |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study investigates the effectiveness of a cross-seasonal solar thermal storage system in Urumqi City, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, which experiences severe heating demands during its extended winter season. The conventional reliance on fossil fuels for heating in this region presents significant environmental and economic challenges, which this solar-assisted heating system aims to address.The innovative heating system explored in this research integrates a sophisticated thermal storage cycle with three interconnected loops: the direct supply loop, the heat exchanger loop, and the water source heat pump loop. The system’s core component, an underground thermal storage pool, captures and retains solar heat during periods of high radiation, notably extending its utility beyond immediate daily solar gains to provide heating solutions across the colder months.One of the distinctive features of this cross-seasonal approach is its ability to leverage seasonal variations in solar radiation. By accumulating excess thermal energy during sunnier periods, the system can store and utilize this energy during the colder, less sunny months, ensuring a consistent and sustainable heating source. This is facilitated by the strategic management of the thermal storage tank's outlet temperature, which dictates the operational dynamics of the three loops to maximize thermal efficiency and responsiveness to fluctuating outdoor temperatures.Simulation results over Urumqi’s 183-day heating season, from October 10th to April 10th, demonstrate the system’s ability to reduce reliance on conventional heating methods substantially. The required solar collector area was determined to be 1392.26m² with a thermal storage volume of 2923.75m³, optimized to meet the heating demands efficiently.Economic evaluations indicate a return on investment through significant cost savings of approximately 2,195,538.42 CNY over the system’s lifetime compared to traditional heating solutions. Environmentally, the system drastically cuts CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals.This research highlights the cross-seasonal solar thermal storage system’s adaptability to cold climates and its potential to revolutionize heating solutions in regions similar to Urumqi, providing substantial environmental and economic benefits and advocating for its wider adoption. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Sustainable Energy Transition (SE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Singh, Jai Govind |
| Examination Committee(s) | Salam, P. Abdul;Weerakorn Ongsakul |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | China Scholarship Council (CSC) |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |