Creative Commons

This dissertation was written as a part of the MSc in Energy Systems at the International Hellenic University. In this study the performance of Solar CHP Thermal System which utilizes Seasonal (long-term) Thermal Energy Storage (STES) for domestic applications is investigated. The STES concerns the storage of heat in large constructions during the charging period in order to be used later during autumn and winter, when heating load is demanded and the solar radiation is limited. The CHP concept stands for electricity production by a Stirling engine which is connected to the STES tank. More specifically, TRNSYS software has been used to facilitate the design and simulation of the specific solar thermal system which combines electricity production and seasonal storage . Flat plate solar collectors have been chosen in order to collect solar energy and charge the two stratified water tanks, the short term DHW tank and the long term STES tank. Regarding the STES tank, it is connected through two heat exchangers with a single zone building and the solar collectors loop respectively, covering part of the space heating demand when thermal energy is available. The simulation results of the under investigation building located in the city of Thessaloniki exhibited an up to 50 % coverage of the space heating load for a specific single-family detached house by the designed seasonal storage configuration. Regarding the electricity generation the system is able to produce approximately 2 kW during the charging period. Finally, i would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor Dr. Georgios Martinopoulos (Academic Associate) for his guidance and support throughout my MSc dissertation work.