F-CHART model calibration for thermal solar collectors with parameterization and validation according to typical provisions for architectural integration in Andean equatorial climates

Ecuador allocates around US $ 270 million/year to subsidize residential use LPG. US $ 8,365 million has spent the country for this concept since its implementation, resources largely destined for fuel imports. The cost of this subsidy forces to look for energy alternatives. An option is to take advantage of the high solar radiation by implementing solar thermal technology (ST) for water heating in buildings and homes, but its adoption requires information about energy production in local conditions, mainly at the equatorial Andean level. To effectively venture into the use of ST energy, it is necessary to use tools that allow estimating such production. One of the currently accepted models for this purpose is the F-Chart. However, this model requires local parameters to predict the contribution of solar thermal energy properly, so it cannot be extrapolated to equatorial cities. The present project aims to calibrate the F-Chart model to dimension the possible energy contribution in its two typologies (flat solar and vacuum tube plates) in the climatic conditions and residential energy consumption of basin, considering different inclinations and orientations of collection surfaces, according to local typical architectural conditions. The study is a requirement to make decisions regarding the implementation of energy ST locally. The results are expected to be extrapolated to other equatorial cities in height. As part of the study, an energy planning model will be implemented to analyze STE technology penetration scenarios.

XVIII UNIVERSITY COMPETITION FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS