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The owners of a house wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home by installing a solar collector on the roof, as shown, to provide hot water for the house - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 8 - 2022
Question 8
The owners of a house wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home by installing a solar collector on the roof, as shown, to provide hot water for the house. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The owners of a house wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home by installing a solar collector on the roof, as shown, to provide hot water for the house - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 8 - 2022
Step 1
Discuss in detail three considerations when installing a solar collector for heating domestic hot water.
Answer
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Optimal Location: The solar collector should ideally be located on a south-facing roof at an angle of 30° - 45° to receive maximum sunlight throughout the year. Shadows from trees, chimneys, and buildings can significantly reduce efficiency, so placement is crucial.
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Sizing and Volume Capacity: Choosing an appropriately sized solar hot water cylinder is essential. The cylinder must accommodate the household's hot water needs without exceeding the maximum temperature limit, ensuring efficiency and safety.
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Installation Planning: Proper planning is necessary for the installation process, including structural assessments of the roof, potential planning permissions, and considerations for the overall system costs, which may include grants or funding opportunities.
Step 2
Using notes and a single-line diagram, show a typical design layout for a solar collector that will connect with an existing system to supply domestic hot water.
Answer
A typical design layout includes:
- A solar collector fitted on the roof, with pipes leading to a hot water storage tank.
- The diagram should indicate:
- Solar tubes capturing sunlight and transferring heat to the fluid.
- A control valve positioned to regulate fluid flow.
- Pipe sizes:
- for smaller systems (10 m² - 20 m²)
- for larger systems (20 m² - 30 m²)
- Include labels for each component and indicate the direction of fluid circulation.
Description of the System:
- Sunlight heats the solar collector tubes, transferring thermal energy to the fluid.
- The heated fluid circulates through a heat exchange coil in the hot water cylinder, warming the stored water before returning to the collector.
Step 3
Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of installing a solar collector system in a domestic house.
Answer
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Advantages:
- Energy Efficiency: Installing a solar collector significantly reduces heating costs, enhancing energy efficiency by lowering household energy consumption.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Less reliance on fossil fuels decreases environmental impact, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
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Disadvantages:
- High Initial Costs: The upfront expenses for equipment and installation can be substantial, posing a challenge for some homeowners.
- Space Requirements: Solar collectors necessitate adequate roof space and may require additional area for maintenance, which could be a limiting factor for some properties.